Life is a sequence of circumstances, and for me, those circumstances include being raised in foster care. According to the Children’s Bureau, there were approximately 424,000 children in foster care in the United States in 2020. The reasons for entering foster care vary, but the outcome for some is a cycle of instability and struggle. However, I have broken the cycle and gone on to achieve success and happiness.
Growing up in foster care, I learned the importance of empathy and compassion, and I now lead with those qualities in my career. Studies show that employees who feel valued and cared for by their leaders are more engaged, productive, and loyal. Therefore, leaders must understand the importance of empathy and its impact on their team’s success.
Furthermore, my story highlights the importance of education and breaking the cycle of poverty. My achievement of being the first in my family to receive an MBA is a testament to my determination and resilience. Education is a powerful tool that can provide opportunities for individuals to break the cycle of poverty and create a better life for themselves and their families.
In addition, my firm belief in God and the power of positivity have helped me overcome challenges and maintain a positive outlook on life. Research has shown that having a positive attitude can improve one’s overall well-being, reduce stress, and increase resilience.
Finally, my story emphasizes the importance of breaking the cycle of abuse and neglect. Childhood trauma can have long-lasting effects on mental and physical health, and it can perpetuate the cycle of abuse and neglect. Therefore, it is crucial to provide support and resources for families and children to break the cycle of abuse and neglect.
In conclusion, my story is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of breaking the cycle of instability and struggle. My journey from foster care to leadership is a testament to the power of determination, education, empathy, and faith. I hope this reads as an inspiration to others who have faced similar challenges and a call to action for society to provide the support and resources necessary for individuals to break the cycle of poverty, abuse, and neglect.
Please share your story.
Reference and resources:
- Children’s Bureau. (2021). Child welfare information gateway: Foster care statistics 2020. Retrieved from https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/systemwide/statistics/children/foster-care/
- Ehrhart, M. G., Schneider, B., Macey, W. H., & Borman, W. C. (2014). Leadership and employee well-being: A longitudinal study. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 19(2), 180–190. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0035908
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Childhood trauma: Frequently asked questions. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/childabuseandneglect/acestudy/faq.html
- Lee, K. H. (2016). Positive thinking: The power of a positive attitude. Health Promotion Perspectives, 6(3), 107–109. https://doi.org/10.15171/hpp.2016.19
- Shonkoff, J. P. (2012). Leveraging the biology of adversity to address the roots of disparities in health and development. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 109(Supplement 2), 17302-17307. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1121259109
Living Positive on Purpose 