A Special Message from a Foster Care Alumna to Our Veterans

from Tonisha Hora, CCAI 2017 Foster Youth Intern 

As we celebrate National Adoption Month and Veterans Day this November, the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) honors all our Veterans, as well as our Foster Youth Interns and Angels in Adoption® Honorees who have served (and are serving) in our military. We asked Tonisha Hora, one of our 2017 Foster Youth Interns and a service member in the Army National Guard, to share about herself and offer a message to our Veterans.

What is your current role in the Reserves?

I am a Wheel Vehicle Mechanic as well as a Recovery Specialist/Operator in the Wisconsin Army National Guard.

What are your future goals? How are both your experiences in the Foster Youth Internship Program® and in the National Guard moving you in the direction of these goals?

Personally, my husband and I are excited for kids, whenever that may come, and I hope to be a foster parent one day as well as possibly adopt.

Professionally, I have so many aspirations which all involve helping people. Specifically, I am passionate about abused children and foster care, as well as numerous other humanitarian issues. I plan on pursuing a Master’s Degree in Social Work and/or Public Policy, or perhaps even a law degree, and continue to try to change policies that will help marginalized groups of people, including those I have mentioned.

Regarding CCAI, Being a Foster Youth Intern this summer at CCAI quite literally changed my life. It opened my eyes to new career paths and interests as well as opened a multitude of doors and connections. It was truly a blessing.

The military has been helpful in my life in so many ways, too. The experience has really helped me solidify the mentality that I can do anything I aspire to do when I put in the effort. I’ve learned that giving 100% is essential, or you will not know your true potential. The military is truly my family and I cannot imagine not having them. And while I did not join for the college aid, today, I am so glad that I have it as a resource, because having been in foster care and not having family financial support, this has been a huge blessing financially. I am able to focus more on activities and volunteering in college that helped boost my resume and professional experiences, instead of being stressed about trying to make ends meet.

As we celebrate Veterans Day, what is your message to our veterans?

I just want to thank you all so much for your service and the sacrifice you and your families have made. You chose to possibly put your life on the line for others and that in itself is bravery and commitment. I applauded you and consider you an inspiration.

Tonisha Hora was a participant in the 2017 Foster Youth Internship Program®, one of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute’s signature programs. Special thanks to Jockey Being Family Foundation for sponsoring Tonisha’s participation in this elite internship program this summer as a member of our Sponsors Circle. To learn more about ways you can get involved with the Foster Youth Interns or National Adoption Month, please visit us at www.ccainstitute.org and contact Martina Arnold at martina@ccainstitute.org. 

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