Mikyra Bisby is a graduate of TNOYS’ Young Adult Leadership Council. She is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Social Work with the goal of helping those in need, especially youth in foster care. As an advocate for youth and young adults in foster care, she shares her story to create systems-change.
Mikyra recently worked with TNOYS on a blog post about how her experience in foster care impacted her performance in school, the support that could have helped her, and how she hopes her voice can make a difference for other young people in similar situations. Read her blog post below.
I experienced the foster care system for many years in my childhood, and my experience in the system was always rocky. The struggles faced by girls in foster care are complex, and some may include feelings of abandonment and being uncomfortable in the house/ group home. For me, being a young girl in the foster care system created a deep emotional scar. It had me questioning everything and everyone, even though the staff were supposed to help me become better as a young girl and an emerging woman.
When I was younger and experiencing the foster care system I struggled a lot in school, and by my sophomore year of high school, I was ready to give up. However, many individuals have played a big role in my personal growth, academic success, and overall development, shaping who I am today. Looking back, I realize that without their support, I would not be where I am now, and I am deeply grateful for all the ways they have contributed to my growth.
One example of a supportive adult was Mrs. Sims, my Art teacher. One day, I came to school having woken up late and not looking my best, and Mrs. Sims stopped me and asked me what was going on. When I told her about what I was experiencing outside of school, she was shocked. She sat there and said to me that it would just be another story I would tell on my journey, and to not give up on myself. She is one of the many individuals whose influence has not only provided me with knowledge but also has helped shape my values. Because of individuals like her, I now have the success and confidence I need to work toward my goals.
As I grow older, I’ve come to realize that I wish I had access to more resources while in the foster care system. For example, I never had support with learning to do my hair or what products to use, or had access to the right products. For a lot of young girls, an important part of growing up and normalcy is being able to use products that will work for them and sharing this with foster care staff. I also never learned important skills such as how to cook on my own— this is just one of many life skills I’ve had to learn on my own as a young adult.
These are just two examples of things I wished I had access to when I was growing up. CPS and the foster care system are meant to help youth, yet the reality is that foster care often presents significant emotional, social, and psychological challenges.
When I was 14, I was adopted by the Bisby family, and that moment changed my life in ways I didn’t fully understand at first. Coming from a place where I often felt unsure of who would stay in my life, being adopted showed me the true importance of family. The Bisbys didn’t just give me a home; they showed me what it means to belong, to be loved, and to know that people are willing to stand by you no matter what. Their choice to stay with me regardless of challenges has helped me learn how powerful commitment and unconditional love can be.
Today, I’m working on achieving my goals by pursuing a degree in social work at college. I’m currently at Austin Community College working towards that goal. Using my voice makes me feel like I’m improving systems because I am being heard, and my actions are making a change.
The author with her adopted family.