Wednesday’s Child: 13-year-old Brooklynn loves cosmetology and is hoping for a family that will guide her

WEST JORDAN – When 13-year-old Brooklynn entered Taylor Andrews Academy in West Jordan for a little pampering, it was as if they knew her heart.

Brooklynn, who is obsessed with all things Halloween and horror, was introduced to certified cosmetologist Sonya Valdez, owner of Lilith Ray Studios.

“It was meant to be,” Valdez said. “I’ve got two sides to my personality, I’ve got my Halloween heart, that’s one of my rooms, and then I have this room that is all white and all about Greek mythology.”

It didn’t shock Valdez when Brooklynn, who was just days away from celebrating Christmas, asked for spooky scream nails to mark the occasion. In fact, she was thrilled!

“Halloween is basically my whole soul; I love it; Halloween is my favorite time of year,” Brooklynn said.

“I am probably going to use ghost stickers because they’ll last longer, but we’ll put the blood splashes and all the fun things,” smiled Valdez, as she began to prep Brooklynn’s nails.

While Brooklynn has done her own nails while living in foster care, this is the first time she’s had them professionally done.

“I am excited,” she said. “I want to either do nails or hair when I get older.”

“I think we should get some gems on here; you can’t have your first professional nail day and not have some bedazzle on there,” Valdez added.

Brooklynn has lived in foster care for five years, and during that time, she’s lived in several homes. The constant moving and adjusting to new living conditions has weighed on her, though she tries to stay positive about it.

“It’s been a little hard on my mental health, but I’ve been good,” she said.

Brooklynn describes her personality as outgoing and mischievous. She loves animals, especially horses and dogs.

“All animals make me happy, but lately, I’ve been wanting a bearded dragon,” she said.

Brooklynn will soon be starting 9th grade, one thing she is looking forward to is being with friends and socializing. She is also looking forward to being in the classroom.

“With school I am looking forward to dance and reading, so I can get better at reading,” she said.

Brooklynn is turning 14 in April, and while many teens her age are thinking about what they might possibly get for their birthday, she’s thinking about her living situation. Brooklynn said she’s tired of not knowing who she can count on in her life and she wants to be adopted.

“When I think of adoption, I feel nervous but excited at the same time,” she said.

Brooklynn said what she is looking for in parents or a guardian is someone who will help guide her into her teenage years. She’s looking for someone who can set boundaries for her while still being affectionate.

“I am looking for someone that would love me and take care of me,” she said.

To learn more about Brooklynn, please contact Raise the Future at 801-265-0444.