Salena, 17 years old, MO

Wish submitted by:

Salena lost her father and has navigated her mother's ongoing struggles with substance use, all before entering foster care. Now living with an aunt who's given her a safe, stable home, Salena is building her confidence one day at a time.

Despite the difficulties she has endured, Salena remains resilient and continues to move forward one day at a time. She is naturally introverted and soft-spoken, often taking time to warm up to new people and situations. Those who know her best describe her as kind, thoughtful, gentle, and incredibly caring. While she may be quiet in social settings, her personality shines when she talks about video games, one of her greatest passions. Gaming provides her with a positive outlet where she can relax, explore new worlds, engage her creativity, and momentarily step away from the stress and grief she has experienced. It also helps her build confidence and gives her something exciting to look forward to each day. She especially loves fantasy games that allow her to escape into exciting worlds filled with adventure and imagination. One of the things she likes most about the Nintendo Switch is its portability, allowing her to easily take it with her and play wherever she feels comfortable. Salena also has poor eyesight, and the larger screen of the Nintendo Switch would make it easier for her to see game details, read text, and fully enjoy her gaming experience. This would provide Salena with comfort, joy, and a sense of normalcy during a time when so much of her life has been uncertain. It would remind her that she is seen, valued, and supported by others, while giving her an opportunity to enjoy something she truly loves as she continues healing and building a brighter future.