Zara, 19 years old, CA

Zara entered foster care at seven, and today, through a scholars program, she is putting herself through college while working at Taco Bell to support her studies. Living in her own apartment for the first time, she is on track to earn her Bachelor's Degree. Before arriving at her support group, she was navigating life on her own without stable support, which makes her current achievements even more impressive. What stands out most about Zara is how much she is balancing at once and how steadily she manages it all. While she has asked for assistance with getting to campus and her work shifts on time, she is successfully handling everything else by herself.

Wishes submitted by:

AcademySTAY