I am a Youth Action Organizer with YouthNPower, and I am hard working, organized and determined. I am a team leader who uplifts those who are lacking confidence in a situation. My talents are singing, dancing, reading, journaling, knitting and crocheting. My lived experiences include growing up in the foster care system and feeling like I didn’t have an opportunity in my life due to my past. With those lived experiences, I doubted myself for many years thinking I wasn’t able to live a full life due to my lack of financial stability, family and college education. I am more than my past. I am a mother who is determined to bring about change and awareness so that others do not have to suffer anymore and feel like they are alone.

Why is this project important to you?
This project is extremely important to me because young people endure the hardships of the foster care system and are still fighting through the negative comments from people who aren’t walking in the shoes they wear daily. Youth may feel hopeless, or they may feel like nobody understands what they’re going through. I was one of those young people with many questions but no one I trusted to ask.

What are your hopes and dreams for this project?
My hopes and dreams for this project are to bring awareness to the raw and uncut life of the foster care system. I know that the stories from young people will motivate our leaders to revamp the system and create programs that benefit youth who are struggling. My dream is for young people who age out to have a job, housing, food, and stable advocates throughout their journey of life.

What have been some of your experiences in the project?
Being able to hear other people’s stories allowed me to know that I was in a community with the same hurt as others. Being able to be a part of my first ever briefing for public officials was the biggest for me because I was able to share my life story with New York’s legislative members. I’ve never imagined in my life that I would have a platform where it’s ok to tell your life experience and not have to wear a mask.

What are your hopes and dreams for other young people?
My hopes and dreams for other young people are to continue to fight and bring awareness to their daily struggles.

Christine’s Favorite Things:

Color: Blue
Animal: Dogs
Hobby: Singing, reading
Food: Hot wings and cheese fries
Beverage: Strawberry kiwi vitamin water
Zodiac Sign: Scorpio