I was criticized for everything

As far back as I can remember, even when I tried my best, I can remember being put down or criticized for the smallest things. I’m not saying I was perfect but no one is, especially a kid just learning things in life.

Out of all my siblings, none of us have the same father. I was the main one in charge of doing all of the household chores because her hatred of my father ran deeper than her hatred for my sisters’ fathers.

Something terrible happened when I was 14 and instead of believing me, my mom refused to. After never really having stable housing, we moved in with another family in a two-story flat. I had a job by then but I never got to save any of my money. My mom would always take it as soon as I got paid, even though my sister around the same age got to keep most of her money. I had no other choice but to give her the money because at least I had somewhere to stay, even if it seemed I was “going out of the world backwards” with not being able to get anything back.

To make a long story short, I ended up in foster care at the age of 17, transitioned to a young boys’ home at the age 21. Then I came to Covenant House and am planning to finally focus on receiving my GED instead of working or “getting money.” I’m glad I have this opportunity because when you are on your own trying to make ends meet, it’s very difficult to find the time to spend in class or studying.

-M