Chariay Hastings

Summary

Charie, a 19-year-old college student, shares her journey from a challenging childhood to academic success. Raised by her grandmother due to her parents' struggles with addiction, Charie entered foster care at 13. She excelled in high school, playing basketball and graduating with honors while participating in a dual enrollment program. After turning 18, Charie transitioned into the independent living program, where she found support and guidance from her worker, whom she calls a 'big sister.' Now in her second year at Michigan State University, Charie aims to help others, driven by her passion for human development and social services.

Takeaways

• 😀 Charie is 19 years old and entered the child welfare system at 13.
• 😀 Charie was placed with her grandmother at birth due to her parents' drug addiction.
• 😀 Charie's grandmother passed away in 2019, after which she and four siblings were placed with her aunt.
• 😀 Throughout high school, Charie faced challenges with workers who made her feel unheard and lacked agency in decisions.
• 😀 Charie attended Taylor High School, where she played basketball and joined a dual enrollment program at Wayne County Community College.
• 😀 She graduated in the class of 2023 with honors and maintained a strong academic record.
• 😀 After turning 18, Charie transitioned into an independent living program and initially had her guard up with her new worker.
• 😀 Her worker became a big sister figure, offering consistent support and care during her transition.
• 😀 Charie is currently a second-year student at Michigan State University, majoring in Human Development and Family Studies, with a minor in Human Behavior and Social Services.
• 😀 Charie's ultimate goal is to help others, and her program has allowed her to overcome challenges and support her siblings during their transitions.

Q & A

What was Charie's living situation like before entering the child welfare system?

Charie was placed with her grandmother at birth because her parents were both addicted to drugs. Her father passed away in 2013, and her grandmother raised her until she passed away in 2019.

How did Charie's life change after her grandmother passed away?

After her grandmother passed away, Charie and four of her nine siblings were placed with her aunt, marking a new chapter in her life.

What were Charie's experiences with social workers during high school?

Throughout high school, Charie had several social workers who made her feel unheard and as if she had no say in decisions about her life.

What extracurricular activities did Charie participate in during high school?

Charie played basketball in her freshman, junior, and senior years of high school and also participated in a dual enrollment program at Wayne County Community College to earn college credits.

What achievement did Charie accomplish in high school?

Charie graduated from high school in 2023 with honor roll recognition.

How did Charie feel when transitioning into the independent living program after turning 18?

Charie initially had her guard up when meeting her new worker but was reassured by the worker's consistency and support, which made her feel like they had a big sister relationship.

What is Charie's current educational status?

Charie is currently in her second year at Michigan State University, where she is majoring in human development and family studies, with a minor in human behavior and social services.

What is Charie's ultimate goal in her education and career?

Charie's ultimate goal is to help people in whatever way she can, using her education and experiences to make a positive impact.

How has the independent living program been significant to Charie?

The independent living program has helped Charie overcome various challenges and has been instrumental in providing her with opportunities to become proud of her accomplishments.

How has Charie supported her siblings through the transition process?

Charie has provided support to her siblings as they transition into the independent living program, helping them navigate their own challenges in the process.