We never know the influence we may have in another person’s life, but we still try to assist them when we can. My name is Adrianna Rain Eskew, I’m 24 years old, a Georgia Southern University Alumna, Standing President of Georgia Peers Advocating for Change (GPAC), and also a former foster youth.
When my siblings and I went into care, I remember the unique feeling of relief and dread: relief because I knew someone out there was listening to our story and might be willing to help us, but dread because I didn’t know who or where those people were.
But when we were placed at Herrington Homestead, I recall the overwhelming sense of calm I felt. I realized within just a few moments, these were those people. We had obstacles to overcome, sure; yet, we never felt unsupported during the journey.
Mrs. Lynn Colina and Mrs. Betty Coleman, you fought for us every step of this journey and I am eternally grateful for your efforts. Mrs. Phyllis Strobridge, a houseparent at Herrington Homestead, and Mrs. Lucresia Sapp guided us through growth and education. I understand just how lucky and blessed we were to have landed with this group of people, our people.
I always knew I could call up Mrs. Betty, Mrs. Lynn, Mrs. Phyllis or Mrs. Lucresia and they would offer advice, kind words, or just an ear to listen. They inspired me, as did all the house parents and everyone at Herrington, to go after whatever it was that motivated me. Now, reflecting on this, I realize just how influential all these moments were for me. I was able to overcome my own personal hardships, acclimate myself to adult life, get a degree, have relationships, and find peace in my life.
I know everyone always talks about happiness being the ideal state, but I disagree. I feel peace is the number one advantage you can have in life. Happiness is just an emotion; it ebbs and flows with life, but peace is a mindset: one that allows you to acknowledge the tribulations of your past and still find a way to charge forward into the great unknown. This simple mindset change allowed me to overcome the many learning curves of life and to fight every day for those who are still in care but weren’t lucky enough to get placed at such a wonderful home like we were.
I got started with GPAC, a youth advisory board here in Georgia, because I knew that I wanted to help the next generation find their peace. I knew that every single child in our state’s foster care system deserved the same opportunities that I found, and they shouldn’t be hindered from accessing them simply due to the circumstances of their placement.
I can’t help but think, would any of this have been possible without the kindness of all those at the Georgia Sheriffs’ Youth Homes? Going forward, I hope my story inspires you to continue the work you do: to wake up every day and think, “Is today the day I help a child find their peace?” We may not be able to change the whole world, but we can absolutely change the whole world for one child at a time, and that realization alone is worth more than gold.
So thank you for being my people all this time, for allowing me to understand my own potential and how I can use that potential to help others. My life today is a gift, and I hope all our continued, collective efforts ensure other children get that same gift.