Sophia’s triumph over adversity

Hi, I’m Sophie. I’m 12 years old. I want to be a vet and have a big home where I can keep every homeless animal I find.

When I was very small, something terrible happened to me. My parents didn’t have a job and drank too much. They used to get very angry and take it out on me. They would hit me and burn me with cigarettes. It was scary and painful. I was taken away from my parents when I was 7 years old and given a new home with a foster family. They’re the kindest people you could ever meet, and they’ve shown me what real love feels like.

Because of everything that happened, I missed a lot of school – almost three years. With the help of the Educate the Children Foundation, I’m back in school now. I’m learning so much every day, catching up on all the things I missed.

I know what it’s like to feel scared and alone, and I don’t want any animal to feel that way. One day, I’m going to have a place where they can all come, a safe haven where they’re loved and cared for. I want to heal them, just like my foster family helped heal me.

Every day, I work hard at school, learning everything I can. I know it’s going to take a lot of work to become a vet, but I’m ready for it. I’ve been through a lot, but it’s made me stronger. I’m not just doing this for me; I’m doing it for all the animals out there who need someone to look after them.

With the help of the Educate the Children Foundation, I’m back in school now. I’m learning so much every day, catching up on all the things I missed.