Donetia Meshack entered foster care when she was 11 months old. She was in care for 17 years, where she transitioned through many homes and had only intermittent contact with her birth family. Between elementary school and graduation from high school, Donetia attended seven different schools. Despite the instability that she faced, Donetia loved to learn, and she went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree from SMU and a Juris Doctorate from Whittier Law School. After law school, Donetia worked as a deputy city attorney in Los Angeles and operated a private practice as a criminal defense lawyer. She also worked for twenty years as a municipal governmental employee. She is now a self-published author, and she is currently pursuing a certification as a Youth Peer Support Specialist from Loyola Marymount University.

In this podcast, Donetia describes her time in foster care and the “umbilical love” that connects her to her biological family, despite the hardship and trauma they have endured. Donetia shares about the community and support she found as she navigated the challenges that came with foster care, and she offers insight about the way community allowed her to realize her untapped potential.

“We are more than our circumstances. We are more than our fractured families. We are more than our missed marks. We are more than the unwise decisions we have made. We are more than our setbacks. We are works in progress, and we have everything that we need to prove that we’re more than our circumstances… Curiosity, imagination, and creativity. Those three things allow us to face the separation, severance, and loss with the mindset that we’re built for this. We will overcome our adversities, and we will show up as we’re meant to be—a gift to the world.”

If you are a former foster child who aged out of the system and want to share your story, email us at [email protected]! You deserve to be heard.

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Credits:

§  Interviewee: Donetia Meshack 

§  Interviewers: Madeleine Nelson and Lauren Restino

§  Editor: Soheil Abdmousavi

§  Editing Team: Madeleine Nelson and Lauren Restino

§  Music Credit:

o   Nostalgia by Tobu https://soundcloud.com/7obu

o   Music Promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/03Aky9bhOMU

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of SMU or the W.W. Caruth, Jr. Foundation.

Tina’s story is one of community and being in the right places at the right time—or as Tina would say— miracles. After being removed from her mother’s home at the age of 16, Tina was placed in a group home. The structure became too much for her and she ran away. For a period of time, she lived on the street, couch surfing with former schoolmates, and in a house where she feared she would be trafficked. She was able to escape and luckily ran into her boyfriend’s sister who took her to their parent’s house. There she was caught hiding in his closet by a man who showed her kindness and convinced her to return to foster care. Tina was placed with a kind family in a Christian community. It was here she created close bonds and a strong sense of self that propelled her to success.

As an adult, Tina is learning to help others through their trauma by becoming a certified trauma recovery coach. She is now married and has two children. She wants to encourage people who experienced foster care that hope is real and it is never too late to ask for help. She hopes to see more programs for people transitioning out of foster care as people did out of the kindness of their hearts when she aged out. She hopes her story can be one that reminds others that everything happens for a reason and that you can be successful in life and love regardless of where you came from.

If you are a former foster child who aged out of the system and want to share your story, email us at [email protected]! You deserve to be heard.

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Credits:

·       Interviewee: Tina Rodriquez Chew

·       Interviewers: Eleanor Pelham and Ryan Richmond

·       Editor: Soheil Abdmousavi

·       Editing Team: Eleanor Pelham and Brooke Sutter

·       Music Credit:

o   Nostalgia by Tobu https://soundcloud.com/7obu

o   Music Promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/03Aky9bhOMU

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of SMU or the W.W. Caruth, Jr. Foundation.

Rob Scheer shares his inspirational, full circle journey in this can't-miss episode. Rob experienced the foster care system as a youth, and is now a dedicated advocate for other youth in care, a veteran, a husband, a father of children previously in care, an author, a podcast host, and the founder of an impactful non-profit, Comfort Cases.

Rob shares his personal insights into the foster care system and how his lived experiences guide the work he does today. Drawing on his experiences as a child who had to carry around a trash bag full of belongings from placement to placement, one of Rob's missions is to ensure that no foster child lives out of trash bag—he achieves this mission through the non-profit that he founded, Comfort Cases. 

Rob's episode is sure to inspire all who listen!

If you are a former foster child who aged out of the system and want to share your story, email us at [email protected]! You deserve to be heard.

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Credits: •    Interviewee: Rob Scheer •    Interviewers: Professor Diane Sumoski •    Editor: Soheil Abdmousavi •    Editing Team: Brooke Sutter •    Music Credit:

• Nostalgia by Tobu https://soundcloud.com/7obu
• Music Promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/03Aky9bhOMU

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of SMU or the W.W. Caruth, Jr. Foundation. 

Bob’s story is one of resilience and regaining control. Bob first came to America from Ukraine at the age of 5. He was adopted into a family who subjected him to horrible treatment, until finally at the age of 12 he entered the foster care system. Bob went from placement to placement until he was adopted by his third placement. However, after being adopted, the relationship between Bob and his adoptive family crumbled. For many years, Bob had hardly any sense of control over his own life. He was told where to go, how to act, and who he was as a person. He even found out that his birthday had been changed by his first adoptive family. His whole identity had been determined by the foster care system and those involved in it.

As an adult, Bob is courageously embracing his past trauma and taking back the control of his life that the system took from him. He wants his story of overcoming adversity to inspire others who may be facing similar circumstances. He wants foster youth to know that they are not the “Property of Texas,” but are instead worthy, intelligent, brave individuals capable of succeeding and deserving of love. He wants youth in the foster care system and those who have aged out to know that it’s never too late to take control of your story.

If you are a former foster child who aged out of the system and want to share your story, email us at [email protected]! You deserve to be heard.

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Credits:

·      Interviewee: Bob

·      Interviewers: Lauren Ferrie and Brooke Sutter

·      Editor: Soheil Abdmousavi

·      Editing Team: Alexis Young, Lauren Ferrie, Brooke Sutter

·      Music Credit:

o   Nostalgia by Tobu https://soundcloud.com/7obu

o   Music Promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/03Aky9bhOMU

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of SMU or the W.W. Caruth, Jr. Foundation.

Before graduating with her associate degree, to now working with patients with dementia and suicidality, Candace was teenager navigating her life in the foster care system. Faced with the hardship and heartbreak of being left by her biological family, Candace found hope in the system after being placed with a foster family who showed her unconditional love, support, and the unbreakable bond of family. This went on to change her life and the outlook she had on the system.  

 In the face of adversity, Candace found her voice in the world and used the obstacles she faced as fuel to become the person she needed when she was younger and the person she always aspired to be. Today, Candace stands as role model and advocate for those within the foster care system, demonstrating that sometimes the trials and tribulations do not happen to us, but for us. 

Tune in as we delve into Candace’s inspiring journey – a testament to resilience, faith, and the power of finding your purpose in life. 

If you are a former foster child who aged out of the system and want to share your story, email us at [email protected]! You deserve to be heard. 

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Credits:

•           Interviewee: Candace Henry

•           Interviewers: Mia Alvarez and Sara Saeed

•           Editor: Soheil Abdmousavi

•           Editing Team: Mia Alvarez and Sara Saeed

•           Music Credit:

o   Nostalgia by Tobu https://soundcloud.com/7obu

o   Music Promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/03Aky9bhOMU         

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of SMU or the W.W. Caruth, Jr. Foundation.

Before finding his place in the world, Ryan faced unimaginable hardships. Raised in an unstable environment, his early years were marked by turmoil, as he grappled with his identity amidst the backdrop of foster care. But adolescence had an unexpected twist in store for him. Faced with a life-altering decision, Ryan had mere minutes to choose between living with his aunt and uncle or remaining in foster care. The weight of this decision hung heavily over him, even today Ryan considers how this decision had the power to redefine his entire future.

In the face of adversity, Ryan found the strength to not only survive but to thrive. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the military, earned a college degree in psychology, and set out to help children navigating circumstances similar to his own. Today, Ryan stands as a beacon of hope and an advocate for those in need, working at a child placement agency to make a difference in the lives of countless youth.

Tune in as we delve into Ryan's incredible journey – a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of making a positive impact on the world.

If you are a former foster child who aged out of the system and want to share your story, email us at [email protected]! You deserve to be heard.

Follow us on Instagram and Twitter!

Credits:

• Interviewee: Ryan Harris
• Interviewers: Isabela Possino and Annie Taylor
• Editor: Soheil Abdmousavi
• Editing Team: Kaci Jones & Caleb Beaman

Music Credits

• Nostalgia by Tobu https://soundcloud.com/7obu
• Music Promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/03Aky9bhOMU

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of SMU or the W.W. Caruth, Jr. Foundation.

Originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Betty moved to the United States with her father and younger sister when she was nine years old. When Betty was seventeen, her father went back to Africa, leaving Betty and her sister behind in foster care. Relying on her faith, Betty prayed for a loving home that would keep her with her sister. Betty feels incredibly lucky to have been placed with foster parents that she now calls family.

Betty feels that foster kids are unfairly stereotyped as “bad kids” and she wants people to know that they are more than just a kid in the system. Now in college at West Texas A&M, Betty is studying mechanical engineering and running on the track team. Despite hard circumstances, Betty approaches life with a positive attitude, believing that “everyone has a beautiful smile.”

If you are a former foster child who aged out of the system and want to share your story, email us at [email protected]! You deserve to be heard.

Follow us on Instagram and Twitter!

Credits:

●      Interviewee: Betty Bajika

●      Interviewers: Ashley Hutcheson and Lexy Young

●      Editor: Soheil Abdmousavi

●      Editing Team: Ashley Hutcheson and Lexy Young

●      Music Credit:

○      Nostalgia by Tobu https://soundcloud.com/7obu

○      Music Promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/03Aky9bhOMU 

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of SMU or the W.W. Caruth, Jr. Foundation.

In this episode, we hear the story of Leroy, who went into foster care in November 2005 due to abuse and neglect. He spent two years in foster care, during which time all of his siblings were in different homes. After two and a half years, he went back to live with his mom, but unfortunately, the abuse started back up again. After being saved by CPS, he went through several foster placements, attended multiple schools, and finally graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice. Now, he's creating a program from scratch called the Youth Impact Project Manager, where he is working diligently to support youth groups. We also hear about his relationships with his siblings, his experiences with his immigration and CPS attorneys, and his relationship with his caseworkers. Despite the many obstacles he faced, Leroy persevered and is now making a positive impact on the lives of others.

If you are a former foster child who aged out of the system and want to share your story, email us at [email protected]! You deserve to be heard.

Follow us on Instagram and Twitter!

Credits:

• Interviewee: Leroy Berrones Soto 
• Interviewers: Karen Nobrega and Jordyn Lubin 
• Editor: Soheil Abdmousavi
• Music Credit:
  • Nostalgia by Tobu https://soundcloud.com/7obu
  • Music Promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/03Aky9bhOMU

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of SMU or the W.W. Caruth, Jr. Foundation.

This week's episode picks back up with Mikayla! In part two, hear how attorneys and advocates helped her navigate the system and her journey through the aging out process.

If you are a former foster child who aged out of the system and want to share your story, email us at [email protected]! You deserve to be heard.

Follow us on Instagram and Twitter @agedoutproject!

Credits:

• Interviewee: Mikayla Slaydon
• Interviewers: Peyton McAlister and Catherine Pieratt
• Editor: Soheil Abdmousavi
• Editing Team: Peyton McAlister and Catherine Pieratt
• Music Credit:
  • Nostalgia by Tobu https://soundcloud.com/7obu
  • Music Promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/03Aky9bhOMU

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of SMU or the W.W. Caruth, Jr. Foundation.

This week's episode features Mikayla Slaydon! Hear Mikayla talk about how her experiences growing up shaped who she is today. From living with her pastor and being placed into foster care, to being valedictorian of her high school and getting 4.0s in college, Mikayla’s story is one you don’t want to miss!

If you are a former foster child who aged out of the system and want to share your story, email us at [email protected]! You deserve to be heard.

Follow us on Instagram and Twitter @agedoutproject!

Credits:

• Interviewee: Mikayla Slaydon
• Interviewers: Peyton McAlister and Catherine Pieratt
• Editor: Soheil Abdmousavi
• Editing Team: Peyton McAlister and Catherine Pieratt
• Music Credit:
  • Nostalgia by Tobu https://soundcloud.com/7obu
  • Music Promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/03Aky9bhOMU

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of SMU or the W.W. Caruth, Jr. Foundation.

Mandalyn entered foster care at 16 years old after her father threatened to kill her. This occurred after she was removed from her mother’s home due to her mother's addiction to methamphetamine. Mandalyn was bounced around from kin to friends to foster homes and was even homeless at times. Despite a father who pulled her out of school in 8th grade, and never staying in one school for more than a year and a half, Mandalyn persevered. She overcame a caseworker who told her she was too dramatic for a family setting, 6 psychiatric hospitals, and a disinterested lawyer. Mandalyn herself said it best, “don’t subject yourself to what your file says.” She was told she was a lost cause, but Mandalyn is currently finishing high school and working at TRAC running the youth leadership committee, with college on the horizon. 

If you are a former foster child who aged out of the system and want to share your story, email us at [email protected]! You deserve to be heard.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram!

Credits:

Interviewee: Mandalyn Finley

Editor: Soheil Abdmousavi

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or posiiton of SMU or the W.W. Caruth, Jr. Foundation.