Lifechanging Experiences

 A past that leads to thriving 

From being in the foster care system for over 18 years now, a lot of people have different opinions on it. We have all heard the typical opinion that foster kids are troubled or they have something wrong with them, however in my experience I was lucky that this wasn't the case. This life experience has give me the opportunity to experience more things that most people my age may not get to ever experience throughout their whole life. I have been able to take part in a number of residentials which were hosted all through Ireland so I was able to be given the chance to travel and see some amazing parts of Ireland. 

While away on these trips, I have been given the opportunity to interact and hear about a range of different stories from other people who grew up the same way I did or has experienced something similar. It is always touching hearing what people had to go through just to be able to have a good home and a lovely family. Personally, my past and growing up in care has only made me want to drive myself so much harder, due to the many times I've been given all the pity and people feeling sorry for me and yes this is understandable when you learn what I had to go through but it honestly has been the most humbling experience I have ever had and probably will ever have throughout my life time. 

Above you can see one of the many beautiful places I have been given the opportunity to visit through the residentials with fostering. This picture is a true replica of Ballintoy Beach in Ballycastle. Each year from around the age of 14, I was invited to travel to Ballycastle. As a large group of around 50 foster children, we participated in rock climbing activities and going to the cinema etc. These activities were put in place to make us all feel like like normal teenagers just hanging out with friends without feeling different which growing up and all your friends knowing you were in care you felt very out of place or at least I did. Being together as a group for a week you ended up getting to know your peers really well and just like any other normal child, us care kids are just the same but with a little extra to tell. This is only one of the many life changing experiences I have shared and I hope you enjoyed it.