Maya, 16 years old, NJ |

Wish submitted by:

Maya is adjusting well after being separated from her family. In school, she works hard and loves music class. She is interested in picking up an instrument and learning how to play. Although she is unsure of which instrument because she thinks they all look fun. Maya can be quiet but once she feels safe and comfortable she will open up and engage in conversation. She loves to write and Journals daily. Writing helps her express herself.

Maya's transition to high school has been a journey of self-discovery, marked by both academic challenges and the complexities of navigating a new social landscape. The pressure to fit in is significant; she sees her classmates wearing all the popular styles and wishes she had a pair of Ugg boots for herself. This desire isn't merely about fashion; it also stems from the practical need for warmth during her winter walks to the bus stop. However, beneath her longing for acceptance and comfortable shoes lies a deeper story of a young woman striving to find her place while balancing her academic aspirations with the social demands of adolescence. The challenges she faces highlight the pressures inherent in the high school experience, requiring resilience, self-awareness, and the courage to forge her own path as she seeks connection with her peers. Her desire for Ugg boots symbolizes a much broader aspiration: to feel comfortable, accepted, and prepared to face whatever the coming year brings.