Shaping the Next Generation: Paige's Path to Becoming a Teacher

Entering the Foster Care Village

At 13 years old, Paige entered the foster care system and moved into the Itasca Foster Care Village with her two younger siblings. While her siblings were too young to fully understand, Paige carried the weight of their circumstances on her shoulders. She remembers feeling alone and uncertain about what the future would hold.

Facing Adulthood 

After being adopted, Paige found herself once again navigating life on her own when she turned 18. Without the means or clear direction to pursue her dreams, she felt stuck—until one unexpected email changed everything.

A Life-Changing Connection

Gayle, the director of Advanced Education at Itasca Foster Care Village, reached out with encouragement. “Gayle just reached out,” Paige shared. “I took it as a sign. I didn’t have the money for college, but I knew I wanted more for my life.” With Gayle’s support, Paige enrolled in college, applied for student loans, and began her journey toward her dream career: becoming a kindergarten teacher.

Finding Purpose Through Education

Paige chose early childhood education because of her love for helping children learn, just as she once helped her siblings. She recalls the teacher who gave her confidence as a child and hopes to do the same for others: “I want to be the kind of teacher that changes someone’s life.”

Looking Ahead

This May, Paige will proudly walk across the stage with her associate’s degree. But her journey doesn’t stop there—she plans to transfer to a university to pursue her bachelor’s in education. Paige is one step closer to shaping the next generation.