At just sixteen years old, Emily has already faced challenges that most adults couldn’t comprehend. As a foster child, she had moved from one home to another, never quite feeling like she belonged. Despite her circumstances, Emily held onto a flicker of hope—she dreamt of a brighter future, but uncertain what that looked like.
One day, while attending a community event with her foster care group, Emily stumbled upon a booth for Choosing Happy. Intrigued by the colorful shirts and bright smiles of our volunteers, she learned that we are dedicated to promoting happiness and mentoring teens like her. The mission resonated with her, and she decided to explore it further.
Emily signed up for a mentoring program that paired her with a volunteer named Sarah, who’s a passionate advocate for children in foster care. Sarah had experienced her own challenges growing up and knows the importance of guidance and support. From their very first meeting, Emily felt a connection with Sarah. They talked about dreams, fears, and the little things that brought them joy.
As the weeks passed, their bond grew stronger. Sarah introduced Emily to activities that cultivated her self-esteem and encouraged her to express her feelings. Sarah is known for sharing the idea that happiness is a choice and had shared this message with Emily—a concept that hadn’t fully registered with Emily until that moment. “You can choose how you respond to the challenges in your life,” Sarah explains. “It’s about creating your own happiness, despite what others may say or do.” Inspired by this perspective, Emily began to shift her mindset. She started a journal where she documented her thoughts, hopes, and the things that made her smile each day. With each entry, Emily felt her confidence blooming. She realized that she had the power to shape her own narrative.
Encouraged by Sarah, Emily decided to attend college where she is currently at a GPA of 3.7 which she happily shares with Emily and the team at Choosing Happy With You.
Emily at 18 is volunteering with Choosing Happy With You, sharing her story and encouraging other teens to embrace their potential, it’s a beautiful thing to see.
And so, the ripple effect of Choosing Happy With You continues, inspiring countless teens and fostering a community dedicated to hope and happiness. Emily’s journey is just one of many stories, but it echoes the organization’s belief: happiness is a choice, and together, we can create a world where every child feels valued, inspired, and empowered to choose their own path to joy and success.