Mateo, 17 years old, CA | 1 DAY WAITING |

Wish submitted by:

Voices for Children - Riverside

Mateo faced a challenging situation when he was removed from his home due to concerns about his mother's drug use and incidents of battery on his sibling. Since then, he has been focused on his education, although he is currently behind in high school credits. Despite the obstacles, Mateo is determined to catch up and is putting in the effort to succeed. In his free time, he finds solace in listening to music and playing video games, which provide him with a sense of escape and enjoyment amidst his difficulties.

Mateo desires a guitar because it symbolizes his passion for music and his desire for creative expression. As a thoughtful young man who enjoys all genres of music, he believes that playing the guitar will allow him to create his own unique sound and connect with his emotions. Additionally, he hopes that learning the instrument will help him forge new friendships, especially since attending online high school can sometimes feel isolating. Looking to the future, Mateo plans to enlist in the United States Navy after graduation and dreams of bringing his guitar along during deployment. He envisions playing songs with his fellow servicemen, creating a sense of joy and camaraderie that will strengthen their bonds while they serve the country, making the guitar a means of personal growth and connection with others.