As a former foster youth and current college student, I can attest that every year and every season comes with change and transition. These transitions are incredibly common for foster youth no matter the age or time because if a change is coming, a foster youth can usually endure it. There is a feeling of being on a countdown to the days leading up to being 18 years old or leaving for college. There is high pressure and expectation to combat further odds and graduate high school, as well as get into college, regardless of whether or not you are ready for a new transition elsewhere for the next four years.
As someone who graduated high school successfully and got into college with amazing offers, I know although it can bring hope, there is also the distinct feeling of departure. Going a step further into a more full life or into college can bring amazing opportunities, but also a lot of anxiety. There is worry and acceptance that time is moving, and we are growing. Similarly, I find concerns like these compare well with those of anxious plant owners. For example, you can find dozens of people willing to admit that they cannot take care of a plant and that they will kill it because they are horrible with plants. To be fair, for every average plant out there, they are quite stubborn to take care of, especially in busy environments and unsuitable conditions. Most college students or any working person has no time to keep up with the intricacies of high-maintenance plants.
I happen to be one of these people. After having to pause college when my financial benefits ended when I was 21, I needed something to care for other than myself. I discovered the much-hidden secret of the snake plant, a literal unkillable plant. I have had it for two years through every up and down, ultimately bonding with my two-foot green wonder. You can go months without watering this plant, barely giving it any attention, and it will physically show you that it probably needs a bit of water. The magic of it is that the moment the water reaches the roots, the plant immediately comes back to life. The little plant has determination to succeed. All it takes is just a little notice, a glance, and a bit of water to prove that not every plant is so defeatable. I like to think that we, foster youth, are the same way.
Fortunately, there are more and more organizations and events out there today trying to ease some of the distraught worry that comes with being an adult. Today, there are many organizations trying to remind foster youth and other youth who might be struggling that there is a bit of water and help just around the corner. Youth Voices Rising is one of those programs trying to create places and opportunities for older foster youth to feel heard and supported in every need. The pop-up events, such as backpack giveaways and school supply donations, are universally known to be essential in this community. There is often more space and attention given to younger foster youth, making it more difficult to acquire donations and space for events for older foster youth. I believe there is opportunity here for more events for foster youth aging out to feel welcome and more prepared for the world. The addition of such resources for an older foster youth event where supplies for work or school are curated and discussions or advice columns are arranged would be beneficial. Not all older foster youth are attending college as they begin to age out of the system, but many are starting full-time jobs or working in their desired industry where support, attention, and supplies are needed. Whether they are headed to exams or their first ever professional job, backpacks and supplies are just as needed. For foster youth, there is nothing strange about transitions and changes, not without fear or worry. But somehow, like the snake plant, there is always room and space to flourish and bounce back.
