So accustomed to the living conditions with his mother at first, Tommy found it difficult to adjust to the many different placements throughout his 13 years in California’s foster care system. Through his struggles, Tommy found his way to independence. Now 23, enrolled at Cerritos College with a 3.1 GPA studying Architectural Technology. Tommy will soon graduate with his Associates degree and then transfer to an upper division university for his bachelor’s. His drive for advocacy has allowed him to work alongside the Leaders in Creating Change Initiative, Foster Kinship Care Department and Regional Occupational Program. With his desire to bring awareness to foster youth about the resources available to them, he was selected by Foster Club to be the Youth Ambassador for the county of Los Angeles. Tommy enjoys expressing his creativity through drawing, designing structures or simply writing a heart-filled poem.
