Belva is a bright young person who joined foster care after moving to the United States from Cameroon at the age of 9. Arriving in a new country without knowing English and having French as her first language, she faced a steep learning curve — all while coping with the devastating loss of both of her parents. As the youngest of two siblings, she has had to grow up quickly and overcome many emotional and cultural challenges. She loves dancing, running track, trying new foods, and simply catching up on rest when she can.