Aria, 16 years old, IN | 9 DAYS WAITING

Wish submitted by:

CASA IN - Batholomew County

Aria is a fierce and determined young woman who stands up for herself and those she cares about. Having been in the system for seven years, she has endured several unsuccessful attempts to reunite with her mother. As she approaches adulthood, Aria is preparing for the challenges of living independently. While school has never been her favorite place, she has found a true home at her dojang, where she has been training in Tae Kwon Do for years. The structure and discipline of martial arts have given her confidence, purpose, and a supportive community. She is on her way to earning her black belt and dreams of one day becoming an instructor, sharing the valuable lessons that have shaped her life.

Martial arts mean everything to Aria; it’s her stable refuge in a chaotic life. After seven years in the foster system and several failed attempts to reunite with her mother, she has struggled to find stability. However, at her dojang, she has discovered a supportive community where she truly feels at home. Now, financial difficulties threaten her ability to continue training, risking the only source of stability she has. Continuing her Taekwondo lessons is crucial for her as she works toward her black belt and dreams of becoming an instructor. Granting this wish will allow her to hold onto hope and the belief that she can create a brighter future for herself.