In his own words:
I’ve spent most of my life in San Mateo County, though I’ve lived everywhere—from San Francisco to San Jose, especially when I was in foster care. As you might know, foster youth “age out” when they turn 18. At one point, I was actually living in my car in San Diego while working.
So when I got the call about Midway Village, it felt very surreal! I was so excited to have a home just for me and my dog, who has been my emotional support for five years – and with a balcony we both enjoy.
I’m now enrolled at the College of San Mateo, studying nursing. Being close to Caltrain makes it easy to get to class. I also love walking—it’s a great way to stay fit and explore the neighborhood. Because my rent is affordable, now I have a lot more time to value my education and to really plan for the future. My goal is to graduate summa cum laude, become a pediatric nurse, and one day start an association of trauma-informed nurses better equipped to help foster youth and children with lived experience.
I also help lead workshops through the TAY Summit for foster youth, sharing what I’ve learned and how to access resources like this. I want others in the system to know they’re not alone.
Building affordable housing like this is building a future for youth like myself.
And on a personal note—I just got married! I’m excited to share a few wedding photos… and of course, some of my dog too.