ANDREY BURMAKIN/SHUTTERSTOCK
I was in foster care for 14 years. I was in 10 different foster homes and two different group homes. I represent 1% of a population who achieved success. Statistics show that 1% to 3% of former foster youth earn a college degree. Obviously, the statistics are smaller at the master’s degree level.
I didn’t find out who my biological father was until I reached 19. Despite the fact I know who my father is, I’ve never physically met my brothers who are my father’s sons, nor have I ever been to my father’s house. I have little to no family support.
However, regardless of these circumstances, I realized that I am amazing and that I can succeed regardless of what I must persevere through. There are people who don’t even believe that I earned a master’s degree because they believe it is impossible for someone from my circumstances to be successful.
Jaquel Pitts
However, I am the chosen one. I am focusing on success so I can motivate and inspire people across the world including former foster youth. Statistics indicate that only 7% of African American males earn a graduate or professional degree. The key to my success was not believing in statistics and believing in myself.
My uncle, CSUN [California State University, Northridge] alumnus John Dokes ’92, who is the chief content officer and president of the AccuWeather Network, criticized me for writing that I am legendary on my Facebook page. That’s when I knew I had to refrain from paying attention to my uncle due to his negative energy.
An overwhelming majority of the approximately 440,000 youth in foster care face abysmal outcomes once they age out of care. Yet only half graduate from high school, and less than 3% go on to earn a college degree. Instead, 20% become instantly homeless upon aging out of care.
Despite overwhelming obstacles, I managed to excel in post-foster care. Since making my exit from the system the day after my high school graduation in 2012, I eventually managed to earn a master’s degree in history from American Military University at the age of 26. I will be pursuing my Ph.D. soon.
I am an Oakland, California, native. When I was around 5, my mother Ashanti McMickin relinquished me to child protective services due to “mental complications.” My initial experience in foster care wasn’t an easy adjustment.
The first couple of days in placement, when I realized I didn’t have my mother in my life, I cried for at least two weeks straight. I never had a father in my life, and she was all I knew.
Feeling like an outsider was something that bothered me for a while. It’s awkward and discouraging when you see your friends with their biological parents, and you have to go home to someone who’s not related to you.
But I have a strong sense of mental fortitude. The key to my foster care success was I knew at the end of the tunnel, there was light, and if I kept my eyes on the prize, I knew things would get better.
Close to my exit from foster care, my foster father pushed me. I heard my foster mother say, “They’re not paying me anymore, so he must go.”
To anybody who is facing doubt and criticism, I need you to believe in yourself and focus on your dreams.
Jaquel Pitts is a personal trainer, motivational speaker, actor, rapper, singer, comedian, host, manager, motivational speaker, promoter, stylist and producer. He has 10 associate’s degrees, a certificate in athletic coaching, a certificate in business, a certificate in general education, a bachelor’s degree in university studies and a master’s in history.
