BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C.–There are different paths in life, either by choice or circumstances. The challenges and hardships can be tougher for some than others.
Qyamha Joshua, a 2015 Timberland High School grad, knows this all too well. She grew up in anything but a traditional family setting.
“I am the product of a drug addict mother and a sickly but hard working father but also of an unconventional family made up of caseworkers, foster parents, counselors and guardians,” said Joshua.
At the age of 12, Joshua was placed in Berkeley County foster care. She didn’t understand why she couldn’t be with her own family and acted out, forcing her to jump from one foster home to the next.
At 15, Joshua hit rock bottom and tried to end her life.
“While growing up in foster care I faced many trials and tribulations that lead to my attempt to kill myself,” she said. “I was in deep depression and didn’t want to deal with life anymore.”
After spending a few days in the Institute of Psychology (IOP) she realized taking her own life was not the best decision and made a promise to rise above the hardship.
Upon leaving care, she was placed in a new home that proved to be the perfect fit, as she calls them a true “family.”
“They have (helped) me through everything possible and taught me to push myself to the highest limit.”
The 19-year-old is beating the statistics of foster care and is finding new titles to define who she is at Morris College.
“I was elected and served as parliamentarian of my freshman class Student Government Association, and I was a member of the Pep Squad dance team,” she said.
Joshua will be an orientation leader for the 2016-2017 academic year and will represent her sophomore class as “Miss Sophomore.”
Although she is reshaping who she is, she has not forgot her beginnings. That is why she is studying to become a social worker.
“I chose Social Work as a career path to help to help children that were in similar situations as myself. The DSS caseworkers and supervisors of Berkeley County helped me through my journey and helped me to illustrate my life story,” she said.
Joshua hopes her story can motivate other foster care kids to achieve more. She is fond of Maya Angelou’s words: “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”
“You can’t control everything that happens to you, but you can change your attitude about the situation and make it better than what it is,” she said. “Yes, it may be rough sometimes but with God, determination, and faith anything is possible.”
- Michael Jackson Thriller-Inspired Halloween House Attracts Moncks Corner Onlookers - October 28, 2016
- Civil Rights Group Wants Jamestown Police Chief To Resign After Facebook Comments - September 23, 2016
- Fun Rock Painting & Hiding Initiative Spreads Through Goose Creek Community - September 19, 2016
Recent Comments