Carol, 19 years old

Wish submitted by:

Carol entered foster care after repeatedly running away from home because her parents wouldn’t accept her as part of the LGBTQ community. Home felt hostile rather than loving, and each time she escaped, she hoped to find a place where she could be herself. Instead, she ended up in foster care, moving from one home to another, which made her feel lost and disconnected. Carol uses her experiences to help young people who face similar challenges. As a peer mentor, she offers support, understanding, and encouragement to those in foster care struggling with their identity and acceptance. Having felt unwanted herself, she wants to ensure that the youths she mentors never feel alone. By sharing her story and creating safe environments, she helps them gain confidence and embrace who they are, no matter the difficulties they encounter.

Carol would like a comfortable pair of black biker shorts. She’s looking for something that fits snugly but also feels great while she works out, goes for walks, or relaxes at home. Black is her go-to color because it’s versatile and matches easily with everything in her closet. It would be fantastic if they had pockets, too, so she could stash her phone or earbuds while she’s on the move. Since she plans to wear these frequently, she wants a durable, quality pair that will hold up over time.