From Yajaira: "Entering into the system at age 7 made a huge impact on my ability to form a self-identity. I struggled a lot with the idea that I was not normal and that I would never have the kind of life that other kids had. This feeling affected my ability to create emotional bonds and often left me isolated from my foster families and peers. I was always afraid that those who entered into my life would be unable to accept my situation. I was burdened by the trauma of my past and often felt that other people could never quite understand me. The most notable way that these experiences defined me was by instilling me with an extreme sense of resilience. With everything I had gone through, I knew that succeeding in school and pursuing a better life was worth the effort. All throughout my primary education I reminded myself that I was the one with the power to change my life, and I did. I worked hard, I got accepted to UCLA, and I am continuing to pursue a better life and use my new-found privilege to encourage others like me."