Emma, 17 years old, MO |

Wish submitted by:

Emma has faced more challenges in her young life than most people do in a lifetime. Growing up in a tough environment, she’s had to learn to take care of herself and stay strong through situations that could have easily broken her spirit. But if you ask anyone who knows her, they’ll tell you Emma doesn’t let hardship define her; she lets it inspire her. Through every setback, Emma has found a way to see the good. She believes that even on hard days, there’s always something to be grateful for, a kind word, a smile, or a batch of freshly baked cookies. Baking has become her outlet and her joy. From mixing dough to decorating cupcakes, Emma pours her heart into every creation. Her dream is to one day open her own bakery, a place where people can feel the same warmth and happiness she finds in baking.

Emma wishes for a Kindle because reading is her safe space, especially during her emotional and challenging journey in foster care. Books allow her to escape into new worlds, learn new things, and find calm when life feels overwhelming. She loves getting lost in stories, and a Kindle would enable her to carry an entire library with her wherever she goes. Since moving frequently in foster care can make it difficult to keep physical books, having a Kindle would provide Emma with a stable and reliable way to read whenever she needs comfort or quiet time. She could highlight passages, look up new words, and explore different genres that inspire her imagination and boost her confidence.