A Scholarly Update from Eden
We recently heard from Eden, recipient of our foster youth Family Fellowship Scholarship, and her message was filled with big news and gratitude.
Eden’s update reflects the momentum she’s built, moving from student to stand out scholar. She is now stepping into the professional world with confidence.
In 2022, she first shared her story with us while adjusting to life as a student at Texas State University. She was just beginning to dream big, and now she’s bringing those dreams to life.
The Road to College
Eden’s path hasn’t been easy. When she first shared her story with us in 2022, she was adjusting to life as a student at Texas State University and still exploring her future.
“I am currently an undeclared major, but I’m leaning towards studying interpersonal communication… It was really difficult for me to come home because I don’t have the best home life. So when they told me that the dorms were closing I was pretty stressed out.”
Her words reflected a mix of excitement and anxiety, which, while typical for many college students, is uniquely complicated by her history in foster care.
“I moved around a lot. I was constantly being taken by Child Protective Services and given to other family members and then given back to my biological parents… until 7th grade when my parents completely lost custody of me.”
Despite the instability, Eden kept going, guided in part by her older sister who helped them both enter foster care after realizing their home life wasn’t safe.
The Power of the Foster Youth Family Fellowship Scholarship
While Eden’s success is a reflection of her resilience and hard work, the foster youth Family Fellowship Scholarship gave her the stability she needed to focus and thrive. She said;
“I remember one thing that went through my head was like, that I wouldn’t have to work harder than everyone else as I’ve been doing my whole life. I was constantly trying to keep up with everyone and I just felt so happy that I wasn’t going to have to slave away to try and help pay for certain things like housing and meal plans.”
Beyond financial support, the scholarship gave Eden something she didn’t always have: a family-like support system and a sense of belonging.
“If the scholarship had stopped funding me, personally, and just stopped all together, I could see my mental health declining rapidly. I don’t think I would have anyone to go to with. My problems, my random questions about life—I think that I would probably have to unenroll and go home to continue to help my mom raise my siblings and pay my bills.”
How the Scholarship Changed Her Life
College wasn’t always in the picture. For many foster youth, higher education is a struggle to receive. Before Family Fellowship, Eden thought she’d have to work full-time to survive, or take on debt she couldn’t manage.
“When I received the scholarship, I was like, so overjoyed… I just felt so happy that I wasn’t going to have to slave away to try and help pay for certain things like housing and meal plans.”
Beyond the finances, the scholarship gave her something deeper: emotional stability and community.
“If the scholarship had stopped funding me… I could see my mental health declining rapidly. I don’t think I would have anyone to go to… I think that I would probably have to unenroll and go home to continue to help my mom raise my siblings and pay my bills.”
A Growing Sense of Identity and Strength
Though she once resented being defined by her status as a foster youth, Eden now embraces it.
“As I got older I realized that being a foster kid is a part of me that I cherish… now I’m like, proud that it’s part of my identity because no one could go through it but me.”
Looking Ahead
As Eden wraps up finals and launches her internship, we know she’s continuing on an amazing path forward. Her message brought us so much joy and we were ecstatic to hear she is doing so well! Congrats, Eden! Can’t wait to get another exciting update in the future.
To those who support the Foster Youth Family Fellowship Scholarship: Eden’s success is your impact in motion.
To support more students like Eden, consider donating to the Family Fellowship Scholarship.
Every bit helps students like Eden build a better future for themselves.
