Hello Readers, Meryssa Here!

Today I figured I would take a step back from writing blogs about college, SAT's, scholarships, and all that other 'educational' stuff and write a blog directed specifically to 'youth-in-care'. As a foster child myself I know first-hand how stressful and draining it is. As those of you who have read most of my blogs know, when I started blogging I lived in a foster home that was not through DCYF. I was able to go home this summer.  I was then sent to a group home until I was placed back into a new foster home where I currently live with five other kids, four of which went through the same process I went through. So as the first month of school is coming to an end I am still a little stressed out, but who wouldn't be if they had to keep switching living locations.  I actually went to an appointment the other day and a lady told me that she is very amazed about how put together and confident I am for going through everything I have. That's when I realized that sometimes you just need to take a step back, look at the situation, and see how far you've come and give yourself some credit where credit is due.

I can be the first to tell you that I am way too hard on myself if I don't do something right or don't do as well on a test as I would have liked to, but I think that comes from my background of living at home. I actually think a lot of things I do now are a reflection of who I was when I was living at home. I think that is true for everyone. 'Youth-in-care' always (at least from my experience) try to impress the new family they are with. I will be honest; I am guilty of it myself.  I didn't really go to school and get good grades when I was living with my mom, but now that I'm here with 5 other kids and I see that they are in honors classes and getting straight A's I feel the need to do as well as they do. In high school I am in level two classes and sometimes I still struggle with some subjects.  When I took a step back, I was able to just teach myself to be myself. Part of my stress is trying to make myself feel equal to the other kids I live with, but I realized that I just need to focus on how I am doing in my own classes and on my own work. Basically this blog is to tell you that you are not alone. You’re not the only one going through foster care, placement, a group home, or a difficult home life. I never had anyone until now tell me that it would all work out, that I'm not alone, and that I can get through this. There are other people out there going through the same thing. No matter your circumstances, there is always a way to get to where you want to be.

Before the college fair at SNHU the other day, there was a dinner in the conference room for those in placement, foster parents, case workers, etc., where Richard Neilson (the man behind the STAR program) spoke about a few options to pay for college and some options that are open specifically for 'youth-in-care'. As I research them some more and learn about them I will share that information with you.  If you come across any information that would help others, please comment on my blog so that we can get this information out there. One general scholarship opportunity available for all students is the Take it to the Bank Scholarship that can be found at www.nhheaf.org Click on the cell phone on the main page to register.

I hope this blog helped you relax a little and feel a little bit more at peace with where you are right now.

Until Next Time,
Meryssa