Berjette
Berjette has always been a good student. She is organized in her work, open to asking questions and tries to take advantage of the resources available to her. She has the desire and the will to succeed but as a former foster youth, she also recognizes that there are challenges she faces as she goes through college that people may not realize.
“The lack of a support system, mental health issues, financial issues, all while seeking independence. Foster youth don’t have an immediate family that can encourage them to get through tough times nor a place they can go to during the holidays.” Berjette says that not having that support system or someone to go to is difficult. The lack of financial resources can make things even more difficult.
With less than 10% of foster youth attending college, and less than 3% graduate from college, Berjette understands the difficulties that these students face and the obstacles she has overcome. “FSS has been my biggest support system by helping me with scholarships, reading books off the FSS book list, and supporting me emotionally.” She recalls attending an FSS financial planning dinner that focused on the importance of saving money. Even though she didn’t have financial literacy modeled to her while growing up, she now has her own savings account and plans for after college.
Finishing college is just the beginning for Berjette. She wants to teach high school English and then eventually teach at the college level. “My high school English teacher inspired me because he always spoke about college and took on us on college field trips. I want to teach English because you get to read, express yourself, and learn about social issues. I have always had [the] ability to teach and inspire others by being an example to them. I want to teach at lower income schools because I come from them and this will allow me to understand, motivate, and inspire them. If they need anything, I will make sure to be their backbone because some of them may not have a stable home to go to after school.”
The resources and support Berjette received from the FSS community have been an incredible help in her college experience. She is a hard worker and driven. But knowing she has support and encouragement has made a huge impact in her life. “I realized that after college, life won’t be easy and no one will be helping me. I have to choose what I want. I want my future to be better than my past - I can achieve that.”
Berjett is one of the beneficiaries of the Fostering Success and Significance program. We could not be more proud of all that she has accomplished and we are so excited that she shared her story with us. For more information on how to get involved, please visit our programs page.