Overcoming Academic Challenges as a Foster Child

Deanna Hercules

Growing up in the foster care system taught me many lessons—some about survival, others about resilience. One of the biggest challenges I faced was navigating my academic journey while constantly being uprooted from one foster home and school to another. The instability I experienced made it nearly impossible to build a consistent academic foundation, and this is a reality that many students face, whether due to foster care, housing instability, or other obstacles.

Frequent moves meant I was always the “new kid,” struggling to catch up with new classmates and adjusting to different teaching styles. Each time I was sent to a new school, I found myself further behind, and my self-esteem plummeted as I watched my peers advance while I struggled to stay afloat. This constant disruption in my education made me feel like I would never catch up. I doubted my abilities and often felt that I wasn’t “smart enough” to succeed.

My turning point came at Laney College in Oakland, CA, where I found a sense of stability for the first time. There, I realized that if I was going to succeed, I had to advocate for myself. I began seeking out tutors, asking for help from professors, and developing a study routine. These small, but impactful strategies made all the difference. No matter your circumstances, taking the initiative to find support, set goals, and establish routines is critical to not only academic success, but success in any area of life.

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Perseverance and Resourcefulness
One of the most important lessons I learned was the value of perseverance and making the most out of available resources. Whether it was asking for help from professors or finding support, I realized that taking the initiative to seek assistance was key to overcoming my academic challenges. You don’t need to have everything figured out at once—what matters is finding ways to stay resourceful and proactive, even when things seem overwhelming.

Through persistent preparation and hard work, I was able to make progress. Eventually, I transferred to California State University, East Bay, where I continued to grow academically. I even earned a spot on the Dean’s List. My hard work eventually paid off when I was accepted into the University of Southern California for my master’s degree, something I never imagined possible during those early days of uncertainty.

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Final Thoughts
My journey was far from easy, but it taught me that no obstacle is unconquerable. By preparing early, seeking support, and believing in your potential, you can overcome even the greatest challenges. Whether you’re a foster child like I was or someone navigating your own struggles, your past does not define your future—your perseverance does. Today, I am applying to PhD programs—something I never thought would be in the cards for me. This wouldn’t have been possible without the lessons I learned along the way, and I hope to inspire others to pursue their goals, no matter how impossible they might seem.