Publicist/ Co-Secretary  - Just like it is rarely the fault of a pet coming to the ER, it is rarely the child’s fault that lands them in the system. “hard” is an understatement, defining life in The Foster Care System. Since the age of 7, I’ve been to about 5 group homes, 2 foster homes, and 2 RTC’s after my grandma passed from diabetes. Even after emancipating at 17, I continued to struggle. Working as a teen trainer allows me to be the voice of youth struggling everyday that has been through the foster care system and mentor those that still are. I have an Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts, working towards my Bachelors Degree in Animal Health Science and RVTg license, work 2 jobs, plans to continue as a foster youth advocate, become CCE certified, and start an animal social services program. At age 25, I can say that I am NOT a part of that large statistic that went downhill after the system, but AM a success story. My experiences have made me the woman I am today and I only hope to be an inspiration to others.