Koa, 17 years old, NJ | 4 DAYS WAITING

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Koa is an amazing young woman who does well in everything she tries. She lives with her mom, who has a disability, and her older sister, who is in college. She has faced many challenges in her life, including dyslexia, autism, ADHD, and depression, but she has shown great resilience. After dealing with a tough childhood, including abusive situations with her father, Koa didn’t start speaking until she was five years old. She worked hard in therapy to improve her speech and learn how to walk. Growing up, Koa faced social challenges and bullying, where kids called her "weird" and "fat." Despite this, she succeeded in losing weight by walking and eating healthy, and she has kept a 4.0 GPA in high school for three years. People say she is gifted and talented. Koa loves to research different topics, and she learned makeup and beauty techniques from YouTube. She enjoys working out, taking care of herself, and exploring sports and fashion. Koa dreams of becoming a part-time model and a full-time therapist to help children who have been through similar experiences. She has made good friends in her therapy group and has moved past self-harm. Even though her family faces financial struggles, Koa’s accomplishments show how strong and determined she is.

Koa is a wonderful young lady who has worked very hard to complete her high school journey. She has stayed focused and dedicated through a lot, and she truly deserves to be celebrated. A girl’s day out filled with laughter, fun, and joy would be a perfect way to recognize everything she has accomplished. It would not only reward Koa for her hard work, but also remind her that she is surrounded by love, support, and encouragement from people who are proud of her.