SDYS Voices

SDYS Voices: Nicole Hansen

Meet Nicole Hansen, 20, a former foster youth now living on her own with San Diego Youth Services’ support.

“I go to Grossmont Community College and I work part time. I’m an English major and I hope to be an author. I hope to transfer to SDSU. I have wanted to go there since I was in the fourth grade.

I’ve struggled with depression all my life. I went to a point where I didn’t want to live anymore. I went into foster care at 14. I’ve never been in a foster home. I went into a residential facility and then into a group home.

When I left there, I got my own apartment in extended foster care through San Diego Youth Services. It’s nice being on my own. It was difficult at first adjusting to being an adult. I’m still working on it, like school. I love my apartment. It’s not lonely and I can do whatever I want, schoolwork, hang out with friends, painting and reading. I love the free time. Here, I am truly independent. I can do whatever floats my boat. I have over 200 books. I want to have a library like Belle in Beauty and the Beast.”