As a former foster youth from a rural, multicultural background, Jade has faced immense challenges, including learning disabilities and family instability. Despite navigating the impacts of addiction and violence within her family, Jade has become the first in her family to graduate high school, earn an associate’s degree, and now complete her BA. She has managed to achieve all of this while coping with a disability and supporting herself after losing her job due to nonprofit funding cuts. Now, she is focused on healing and aims to build independence while giving back through a future career in psychology.