Dirt Under My Nails: Rising from Foster Care and Breaking Every Statistic

They said I wouldn’t make it but I did. From foster care to full-on force of nature, this post is a bold, unfiltered look at how I rose from the ashes, defied the odds, and turned my pain into power. It’s for every woman who’s ever been counted out but kept climbing anyway.

3/5/20241 min read

A bold and colorful poster features the phrase 'Build Confidence in the Creative Spirit' in black and yellow text. The background displays vibrant vertical stripes in blue and pink, with contrasting designs in yellow and purple.
A bold and colorful poster features the phrase 'Build Confidence in the Creative Spirit' in black and yellow text. The background displays vibrant vertical stripes in blue and pink, with contrasting designs in yellow and purple.

They said I’d be a statistic.
The data said I’d drop out.
End up homeless.
Strung out.
Locked up.
Or dead.

But guess what? I read the data and then I tore it up.

I’m a foster kid who clawed her way out, nails dirty and soul on fire. I’ve got the scars and the receipts. I’ve slept in places I don’t talk about, cried over things no kid should have to face, and still managed to rise with grit in my heart and purpose in my bones.

I didn’t just survive I built something beautiful out of the chaos.
Degrees? Got 'em.
Career? Built it.
Love? Creating it.
Healing? Working on it daily.
Power? Taking it back.

To every woman who’s ever been counted out I see you. You are not broken. You are not your past. You are becoming something bold, fierce, and unshakable.

Let them underestimate you. Then show up louder.

The world better get ready because we’re not just rising… we’re kicking the damn door down.