Ariella's Story

Ariella, who we call Ari, is a proud graduate of UC Davis, where she earned her B.S. in Community and Regional Development, and the University of Michigan, where she completed both her J.D. and Master of Public Policy. Her academic path was fueled by a deep curiosity and desire to create a more compassionate world.

 

Ari spent eight years in foster care, an experience that shaped how she sees the world and inspired her education path. Ari says, “My eight years in foster care showed me that so many things can be true at once and also that just because fractures aren't visible to those living a different life does not mean that there isn't harm. During my time in foster care a lot of social service and education programs had their funding decreased which I and others relied on. This feeling of being and knowing I was invisible (because honestly the idea that people knew what kind of life people were living and still choosing to not be generous or not caring is too tough to swallow) really made me want to ensure that I ask a lot of questions and stay open to new perspectives.”

 

Transitioning to college came with its own challenges. “I had a really hard time living in the dorms…I also found out I had dyslexia my freshman year which was a huge challenge for me,” she says. Ari found Fostering Success and Significance (FSS) through the Guardian Scholars Program. That connection made a lasting difference. “In the beginning the help with books was huge and as the program grew, I thought the opportunities where we all got to come together and meet others involved in FSS has been the most helpful and rewarding,” Ari shares.

 

Today, Ari is back in her community, making an impact as a Legal Aid Attorney. Her lived experience continues to shape her approach and commitment to advocacy.

 

Her advice for current students:

“It is okay to mess up and the world won't fall out from under your feet. You worked really hard to get to college... so it's okay if you stumble a bit while figuring it out.”

 

We’re proud to celebrate Ari as part of the FSS family. Her perspective, heart, and determination continue to make an impact.