independence

Growing up in the foster care system feels like navigating a labyrinth that constantly shifts and changes beneath your feet. Every time you think you've found a straight path forward, a wall rises, and you're left searching for a new direction. This has been my reality since I was seven years old, when I first entered the system. Now, in my mid-20s, the journey of piecing together my independence and identity continues, a puzzle that seems to grow more complex with time. Early Years: A Carousel of Homes My foster care journey began with a dizzying array of homes. Each…