July 2016 is when my life changed forever. Before that day I was not on the right track.

My priorities had nothing to do with who I wanted to become before I was adopted I had

no future. July 2016 My life took a turn for the better . Alycia (my aunt) and Juan (my

uncle) are two of the biggest blessings in my life, so much so they are now my mother

and father. In July of 2016, I decided to stay the night with my younger cousins, who are

now my younger brother and sister. As I stayed the night I had a conversation with

Alycia about my situation and she and her husband decided to open their home to me. I

moved in immediately and they started the process of taking custody of me.

Since I have been in their custody I have become a much better person. I have

become a better student and I have set higher goals. I've set goals that I would have

never imagined achieving before. I have achieved goals I would have never imagine

accomplishing. I am at a place in my life where I am thriving and never would I have

been here if it wasn't for Alycia and Juan.

Alycia and Juan are some of the most hardworking, respectable, caring, loving

and motivational people I've ever came across. In these past 3 years, they have

become two of the most important people in my life. They have taught me to be the best

version of me. They have pushed me to do the things I never even thought I would be in

the position to do. They are more than I could ask for as parents. Not only did they bring

me into their home, but about 2 years ago they got custody of my 6-month-old baby

brother. He is now 2 and they are the only thing he knows and he couldn't be happier

and neither could I. I'm so thankful for Juan and Alycia or bringing my baby brother and I

into their home and showing us what real parents are supposed to be.
 Today I am a senior at Merced High and I and an A/B student. I am on track to

graduate and will attend college in the fall. I would never be where I am today if it wasn't

for my mom and dad (Alycia and Juan).