Seen, Heard, & Rising

Q&A with a Resident at Tulsa Girls’ Home

1. What’s your favorite thing about being part of the Tulsa Girls’ Home family?
“Honestly, for me, it’s that I can get help, and we do. We also do fun things like going out to eat and getting clothes that I actually like, pick out myself, and that fit me.”

2. What was life like before coming to Tulsa Girls’ Home?
“It was like I barely even got fed. Like, you couldn’t even get seconds. Before I was here, I also wasn’t confident at all. I worried about everything and was super anxious, I always had anxiety.”

3. What is one thing you have learned about yourself while at TGH?
“I’ve learned that I can do more in life and follow my dreams. I used to be told I wasn’t kind, but here I feel like people see me as kind and loving.”

4. If you could do anything in the world, what would it be?
“I would like to be a 911 dispatcher so I can help people stay calm in really scary and hard situations.”

5. If you could make a difference in foster care, what would you want to make better?
“I would want to make sure kids are placed in good homes, not bad ones. If a kid says they don’t feel safe somewhere, DHS should listen and trust them. There should also be stronger background checks to make sure kids are going to truly safe homes.”

6. What would you tell other girls who have faced similar situations as you?
“I would tell them to talk it out so you don’t keep reliving the past in your head. Your mind can trap you. Trust the people who step in to support you and let them carry some of that with you.”

7. What should people know about Tulsa Girls’ Home?
“Some people think we don’t have people who love us, but some of us do. Tulsa Girls’ Home makes sure we stay connected to the people who matter to us. Seeing my aunt or my siblings is really important to me, and they do their best to make that happen.”

8. If you could wish for one thing, what would it be?
“I have a good aunt, but I wish I would have had a good mom in my life. But honestly, my wish has kind of come true. There are so many women in my life now who support me, even in things like therapy and like cooking, and that’s what I always needed.”

Fun Fact:
“A hidden talent I have is that I can play the flute. My favorite song to play is ‘How Far I’ll Go’ from Moana.”