Monica, 17 years old

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Monica is an amazing girl! She works so hard in school and has aspirations to work in digital media when she grows up. Her journey in foster care has not been easy. She started with a kinship family member who didn’t have her best interests at heart. Since moving in with her maternal grandmother, things have been much better! Monica is happy to help at home, and the fact that she was reunited with her half-sister brings her a great deal of comfort.

Monica is acutely aware of her grandmother's financial struggles, so she never dares to ask for anything extra. She takes pride in wearing hand-me-down clothes and shoes from friends and family, seeing them as tokens of love rather than a mark of lesser means. This year, as her birthday approached, her grandmother wanted to surprise her with a special gift: the vibrant pair of Nikes that Monica had been longing for—the ones that glimmered in the store's window whenever they passed by. These coveted shoes symbolized more than just a trendy accessory; they represented a boost of confidence that Monica yearned for at school, a chance to blend in and feel more like every other kid. The thought of owning them filled her with excitement and hope for a brighter, more confident future.