Notes

I want to say thank you to everyone that has been involved in this hearing and for being as supportive as possible during these past 14 months. I feel so blessed to have such an amazing group of people on my case. Thank you! After 14 months of being in the system, moving from place to place, and learning a great deal along the way, I can finally say that I feel I am where I belong. Being with my family who knows
me, supports me, and encourages my development at this critical stage of my life is the most important thing to me. Two and a half months ago, my world sort of fell apart. I was without a home, sleeping in a shelter, and trying to figure out why my life was so upside down after everything was just fine. When I was told that I could not return to the Romero's house, I was overwhelmed by familiar feelings of loss, sadness, depression and lack of purpose. I knew it was time to pull my life together and remain focused on my goals. I knew that attending school, finishing the year with good grades, and staying focused on cheer was the only option to stay sane. None of this would have even been in consideration 8 months before. I ask each of you to please consider where I was when this case first started, and who I am today. I am not the same person.... I have gone from not attending school, using substances as a way to cope, and having bad relationships with my family, to straight A's and B's, a love for cheer and dance, staying sober, and building on the relationships with my parents. Here in Hawaii, I finally feel like I have a true future. I have already seen my new school here and met the cheer coaches and started to make local friends. My auntie and uncle truly treat me as I deserve to be and have my complete best interest in mind. Returning to Arizona would really hurt me and affect my emotional stability. I ask that you put that aside and take a chance to trust in me. Thank you.