Ryan: A Story of Survival and Self-Discovery

Before finding his place in the world, Ryan faced unimaginable hardships. Raised in an unstable environment, his early years were marked by turmoil, as he grappled with his identity amidst the backdrop of foster care. But adolescence had an unexpected twist in store for him. Faced with a life-altering decision, Ryan had mere minutes to choose between living with his aunt and uncle or remaining in foster care. The weight of this decision hung heavily over him, even today Ryan considers how this decision had the power to redefine his entire future. In the face of adversity, Ryan found the strength to not only survive but to thrive. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the military, earned a college degree in psychology, and set out to help children navigating circumstances similar to his own. Today, Ryan stands as a beacon of hope and an advocate for those in need, working at a child placement agency to make a difference in the lives of countless youth. Tune in as we delve into Ryan's incredible journey – a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of making a positive impact on the world.   If you are a former foster child who aged out of the system and want to share your story, email us at [email protected]! You deserve to be heard. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter! Credits: Interviewee: Ryan Harris Interviewers: Isabela Possino and Annie Taylor Editor: Soheil Abdmousavi Editing Team: Kaci Jones & Caleb Beaman Music Credits Nostalgia by Tobu https://soundcloud.com/7obu Music Promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/03Aky9bhOMU The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of SMU or the W.W. Caruth, Jr. Foundation.