Hot topic gift card for deeply reflective and expressive Jacob
Jacob, 17 years old, CT |
Wish submitted by:
Unashamed IncJacob's foster care experience has shaped him into a deeply introspective young man with an old soul. He's discovered that poetry gives voice to feelings that are too complex or painful for ordinary conversation. Writing has become his lifeline, a way to make sense of the trauma and transitions that have defined his young life. Jacob has a unique aesthetic sense and finds beauty in darkness, drawn to "emo" culture not for rebellion but for its authenticity and acceptance of raw emotion. His peers at his residential program respect his honesty and his refusal to pretend everything is okay when it's not. Jacob has a gift for words that surprises his teachers, crafting verses that reveal wisdom beyond his years. What makes Jacob special is his courage to feel deeply in a world that often asks hurt kids to just move on. He's learning that his sensitivity isn't weakness—it's his superpower, and his greatest hope is to one day publish a collection of poems that helps other foster youth feel understood.
Jacob's request for a journal and "emo" clothing reflects his profound need for self-expression and identity formation during a critical developmental period. A dedicated poetry journal gives him a sacred, private space to process trauma, explore his identity, and document his journey in his own words. Writing poetry provides emotional release, helps organize chaotic thoughts, and creates a sense of permanence in a life marked by impermanence. The clothing he's requesting isn't about fashion, it's about finding a community and aesthetic that accepts pain as valid and doesn't demand false happiness. Wearing clothes that reflect his inner world helps him feel authentic and seen. This gift honors who Jacob truly is and validates his coping mechanisms, showing him that his way of healing matters.
Unashamed Inc requests this wish for Jacob.
One Simple Wish posts the wish to the website.
Awesome Human grants the wish for Jacob! Thanks Awesome Human.
One Simple Wish sends the gift to the Unashamed Inc for Jacob.
Unashamed Inc receives the wish!
A note has been added to Jacob's wish!
"Dear Generous Friend, On behalf of Jacob and everyone at Unashamed Inc., I want to express our deepest gratitude for the thoughtful gift you provided through One Simple Wish. We have received the Hot Topic gift card, and we are so excited to present it to Jacob at our holiday party today. Your kindness recognizes Jacob's authentic self and honors his journey of identity formation during such a critical time in his life. This isn't just a gift card, it represents someone who sees Jacob for who he truly is and validates his need to express himself genuinely. For Jacob, the "emo" aesthetic isn't about rebellion; it's about finding a community that accepts raw emotion and doesn't demand false happiness. Your gift shows him that being authentic is something to be celebrated, not hidden. As a former foster youth myself, I know how powerful it is when someone honors your identity rather than trying to change it. The ability to choose his own clothing gives Jacob agency, dignity, and the freedom to present himself to the world in a way that feels true. This gift communicates that his way of processing pain through poetry and self-expression is valid and worthy of support. You've given him more than shopping money, you've given him acceptance, respect, and a reminder that he doesn't have to pretend to be someone he's not. Jacob will receive his gift during our holiday celebration today, and I know it will mean everything to him. Thank you for seeing his courage and for choosing to be part of his story. Your compassion is helping him understand that his sensitivity is his superpower, not his weakness. With heartfelt appreciation and blessings, Sana Cotten Founder & CEO, Unashamed Inc."