Picture the Possibilities
Acheiving More Than Academics
By Rebecca Kerster, LCFS Marketing & Communications Intern
Tabby Young is only nearing 22 years of age and already making history. Tabby is a LCFS foster child blessed and determined enough to graduate from college, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Television and Digital Media Production from Ferris State University.
Like most foster children, Tabby faced challenges growing up, including moving a few times during her freshman year of high school until she found a home with Keira and Josh Sanders, whom she stayed with until graduating and leaving for college.
“I wasn’t sure about going to college until right before I graduated from high school,” Tabby said. “But I decided I might as well try it out.”
Though high school is a challenge for any student, college was sure to show Tabby its own set of obstacles.
“I had a spoiled roommate who I started to resent and we fought a lot,” Tabby said. “Sometimes it’s hard to live with people that have had a completely different life.”
Thankfully, Tabby knew that she had a wonderful family to rely on when things got difficult.
“I remember my very first day in the dorm,” Tabby said. “Keira helped me move in and made my bed. She told me I could call whenever I needed anything. This meant a lot to me. Whenever I came across a question I couldn’t figure out, I would call and get their help.”
Getting used to her new surroundings wasn’t the only complication she would face. Her most difficult experience came during her freshman year of college when her biological mother, who was living in Florida at the time, was in a car accident.
“I didn’t know what to do,” Tabby said. “I called Keira and even though it was already almost midnight, she came and picked me up and helped me book a flight.”
Tabby says a miracle must have happened. The doctors didn’t think her mother would make it through the night, but she did, and this put her college career into a whole new perspective.
“It motivated me to keep going,” Tabby said. “I have always known I want a better life and want a lot of success in what I do.”
The continued support of both her biological and foster families has provided Tabby with the drive to achieve her goals.
“My grandfather once told me, ‘If college was easy, then everyone would go.’ I remembered this all throughout college and sometimes those words helped when I was going through a hard time,” Tabby said.
“I am beyond proud of her,” said Carolyn Sutherby, Tabby’s LCFS case manager and therapist. “I have no doubt that she will continue to achieve success and give back to others throughout her life.”
As for her future, she is on the road to success.
Tabby is a member of the Michigan Youth Opportunities Initiative where she motivates foster youth to age out of the child welfare system successfully, using herself as an example. She also plans to become a licensed foster parent.
As for her career plans, Tabby is currently completing an internship at WKTV, a public television station, and has high hopes for big things to follow.
“I am hoping to stay around Michigan and work my way to being a production assistant working with famous producers,” Tabby said. “My dream job is to become a famous producer. I learned the duties they do and just really like the sound of it. Move over Jerry Bruckheimer, here I come!”