Wednesday’s Child: Ariah is looking for a strong mother-daughter bond
Oct 19, 2022, 3:33 PM | Updated: Nov 7, 2022, 5:26 pm
SALT LAKE CITY — Ariah loves soccer and would love to play on a competitive soccer team but the 16-year-old said the unpredictability that can come with living in foster care has made that difficult for the high schooler.
“I have no control of my life,” Ariah said.
While visiting America First Field, home of Real Salt Lake, Ariah shared insight into her life while getting a private tour of the stadium from RSL’s Zach Farnsworth. For the past year, Ariah has been working as a Certified Nursing Assistant, saving money for her future.
“I’ve always wanted to help people,” said Ariah. “I think that’s what I want my life to be around, when I’m older.”
Ariah has lived in foster care for two years and she misses having a mother-daughter relationship.
“I just want that close mother-daughter relationship, and I think I look for it in everyone,” she said.
Family is important to Ariah, she said she feels like she would make a great big sister and is hopeful she’ll find a family where she can have younger siblings.
“If I was in a family that had siblings, I know that the younger ones will most likely depend on me when they’re older and growing up,” she added.
“She would do well in any family setting and has been in a few different dynamics,” said Gabbi Pagan, Ariah’s Youth Connections Advocate with Raise the Future. “I have noticed she really tries connecting with the mother well before anyone else.”
Pagan said Ariah is kind and thoughtful and enjoys spending time with her friends. She also enjoys working and caring for others.
“Ariah shines in finding the good where she can. She is a big self-motivator and gives herself goals and seeks to achieve them,” Pagan said.
Ariah also loves animals and would love to be adopted by a family that enjoys them too.
“I love dogs,” she said.
“Ariah really wants to be a part of a safe, stable family,” Pagan said. “It is something that she talks about often and really puts herself forward when it comes to looking for a forever home. She also loves being around animals, especially dogs.”
To learn more about Ariah, please contact Raise the Future at 801-265-0444 or visit the organization’s website.
