Levi’s Story of Transferring Schools

Levi studied Social Work with an ISF scholarship and is earning his graduate degree. He entered the foster care system at 12 years old and lived in many placement homes until he turned 21. He began his first undergraduate semester at a different school than his current university, and found himself struggling in the new environment. "[Growing up in foster care], I grew to love school," Levi explains. "School was my safe place from all the pains and struggles I endured; my teachers were my protectors, and that love for learning transferred to college."

However, his first university did not offer him the support he felt he needed. Upon transferring to his current school, he gained confidence in his education and has earned a high GPA. He also volunteers with foster youth, a food pantry, and hurricane relief efforts. He is now thriving in his graduate studies.

"I have faced many obstacles in life that would be too much for the average person," Levi says. "Realizing that I could not evade the cards I was dealt, I made the most of every situation and took advantage of whatever could help me achieve a better life."

His future goals include:

• Studying abroad;

• Becoming a first-generation college graduate;

• Finding internship and research opportunities; and

• Earning his Ph.D. before the age of thirty!