Living her dream

Photo: Contributed

I thought it would be of great benefit to share my story, as I hope it may inspire kids in care and those who believe they cannot achieve their dream because of circumstances.

Since I was one year old, I had been involved in the social welfare system and have been continually in and out of foster care.

My circumstances at home were never great. I had to deal with parental substance abuse along with being physically and emotionally abused.

Despite the discouragement I received and the obstacles I faced, I never let this stop me continuing from pursuing my dream. This fall, I submitted my application to medical school and, after an intense application and interview process, I was surprised to be presented with an acceptance letter.

I believe many foster kids across Canada are faced with a negative stereotype that they cannot achieve success as easily as their peers, purely based on different circumstances and upbringing. There are is a very low percentage of former kids in care that go on to post-secondary school and onwards to professional programs or graduate school. 

I am now faced with the struggle of paying for school with no parental financial assistance and limited funds from the Ministry of Children and Family Development towards school.

I am writing as I believe my story can bring light upon an issue for kids in care or even those who don't have the resources of others, which inevitably may halt their educational successes.

I am asking for the community’s help in raising funds so I can attend medical school and help save people’s lives. I have started a gofundme page to start fundraising for tuition costs. The kindness and support I have received over the years means the world to me.

Corinna Karpenko, Kelowna