Merrissa Hart

My name is Missy Hart I am from Redwood City, California. I am the first in my family to earn a High School Diploma and to go to College. I am a Psychology major at Foothill College with a 3.7 GPA pursuing a career as an Art Therapist. I plan to transfer to UC Santa Cruz in the Fall of 2018 where I will become one of the 3% of former foster youth to complete a college education. I will ultimately open a group home with an Art Therapy Program for troubled youth in the system. Art has allowed me to express what I cannot say and heal what I once pushed away, that is why I will teach troubled youth to use art as a tool for healing and create a stable family environment where they can thrive. I also plan to continue my work in the homeless community and one day open a nonprofit to help those in need in the Silicon Valley because I know with all the tech money pouring in the people who call this community home will only continue to need our help as time goes on. I am thankful for all the adversity I have faced because it has given me my purpose in life. My purpose being able to change the world be being the change I wish to see in the world. I made it through the flames of adversity to rise from the ashes so it is my responsibility to live my life now inspiring and guiding others to rise to their full potential as well.