Perserverence Struggles

My life story is that I was born to Ebony Wright (who is a big support for me and has always shown that she loves me) and Marquis Elliott (who is not in my life and has not been there for me). I have 7 brothers and sisters. My grandmother, Ella, has been a great presence in my life. I have been in and out of juvenile for years. I have been Inner Beauty Program, Inc. and New Breed of Youth and they have taught me life skills and character and I didn't recognize what they gave me until I had to sit in placement. I am moving in with my aunt to be an only child to have a better focus on myself. Before now, I was always expelled or suspended from school and I hung around the wrong crew. I have been able to be a part of this Saturday Virtual Village Nationwide Zoom call that has taught me so much about myself, about how parents think and feel, and about how the system works. This has made me reflect on my actions and determine that I am better and that I will be even better once I am out.

My successes are that I am getting my credits for high school. I have been able to do some programming successfully that taught me to effectively help younger kids by peer mentoring and volunteering at daycares. I was a contestant in the Inner Beauty Pageant, and I praise danced and made the audience cry. This helped build my self-esteem and confidence. I have an ability to make people feel better and smile and laugh. I currently have A's and B's and I make these grades despite being locked up. I have been able to change my attitude and have a much closer relationship with my mother. My Life Goal to be an OBGYN because I like people and babies and want to be in the medical field. I would like to also go into cosmetology to be a hair artistry. I want to be a mentor, too, because all of the stuff that I have been through will help me to help kids avoid being locked up and going through the same things. The advice that I would give to other youth is that they should take advantage of being at home. Do not ruin relationships with your family and don't end up in outof-home placement. Respect your elders and everyone around you and, most of all, yourself. FIND YOUR VILLAGE!

Timiya 15 Indianapolis