Taytum, 20 years old, MO

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Taytum has faced more challenges than most will encounter in a lifetime. Growing up in foster care, she learned early on how to navigate a world that often felt uncertain and unwelcoming. Despite these hardships, Taytum has always dreamed of a better future for herself and her son, Matteo. Known for her warm and nurturing nature, she is often considered the "mother" of her friend group—always ready to provide advice and support when needed. Taytum actively engages with others in her community; she often volunteers to braid hair for youth in foster care, sharing her skills to uplift those around her. Her passion for personal growth is evident through her impressive library, which consists mainly of self-help books. In her free time, she also enjoys crocheting and is learning how to knit. Recently, she purchased a professional nail kit to practice doing nails, showcasing her desire to expand her skills and creativity. Having been in foster care for four years, Taytum has experienced several placements during that time, entering care due to issues of physical abuse and an unstable housing environment. However, through it all, her resilience and dedication to creating a better life for herself and Matteo shine through.

Taytum has been in foster care for four years and has experienced multiple placements during that time, which limited her ability to accumulate credits. However, she worked diligently to complete her high school diploma through a credit recovery program in less than a year. After achieving this milestone, Taytum set her sights on her next goal: obtaining a nursing degree. She has already been accepted into an LPN program starting in March. To succeed in this new journey, Taytum urgently needs a computer. With the demands of online coursework, research assignments, and communication with her instructors, having a reliable computer is essential. It would greatly enhance her learning experience, allowing her to complete assignments efficiently and stay organized, all while juggling her responsibilities as a student and a mother. Receiving a computer would empower Taytum to thrive in her LPN program, helping her to break the cycle of instability that has defined her life. By investing in her education, you would not only be supporting her aspirations but also providing her son, Matteo, with the opportunity to grow up in a nurturing and stable environment. For Taytum, this is far more than just a wish; it is the key to a brighter future for both her and her son.