Ariela, 16 years old, CT | 1 DAY WAITING

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Ariela has been on a journey through foster care, looking for a place where she truly belongs. She’s a sensitive and creative person who feels things deeply, and she expresses those feelings through her art. At her group home, people appreciate her kindness and her ability to make them feel understood. Ariela has discovered a love for cooking. She finds peace and happiness in the kitchen. She dreams of becoming a chef, spending hours watching cooking shows on YouTube to learn new techniques and discover different cuisines. When she gets the chance, she loves to try out new recipes, pouring her heart into each dish to show love and care for those around her. What makes Ariela unique is how she finds joy in everyday moments. She believes cooking is more than just preparing food; it’s about creating comfort and bringing people together. Her goal is to attend culinary school and eventually open her own restaurant, where everyone feels welcome, valued, and well-fed.

Ariela hopes to get an iPad Mini, which shows how committed she is to her culinary dreams and growing independence as she approaches important life milestones. With this device, she would have easy access to cooking tutorials, recipes, and educational content online. For a young woman living in a residential program with limited resources, the iPad Mini would be like her own cooking school, allowing her to save recipes, follow cooking demonstrations, and improve her skills—all things that bring her joy and purpose. Ariela is also getting ready to start driving school and work towards her learner's permit, an important step towards independence. With the iPad Mini, she could take virtual classes and study for her test at her own pace. For young women like Ariela, who have faced tough challenges, supporting her culinary goals sends a strong message: her dreams matter, and she deserves the tools to create a brighter future. Cooking has become a healthy way for Ariela to express herself and rebuild her life, and this gift shows that we believe in her potential to become the chef she dreams of being.