Class of 2021: Silvia E. Garcia from Gulf Coast High School

How has Valerie’s House helped you with your grief journey?

“Valerie’s House has helped me realize that I’m not alone in my grief process, and others are willing to help.”

What advice would you give to another grieving child/teen?

“I’d advise other grieving children/teens to reach out to one another and connect. Sometimes it’s easier to heal when you’re with someone who is going through something similar.”

If you had to describe yourself to a stranger in three adjectives, what would they be?

“Eccentric. Self-Aware. Bold.”

What are your future goals? What’s next for you?

“My future goals are to get my master’s in art. Then, an education certification and become a high school art teacher.”

Class of 2021: Marcel S. Garcia from Gulf Coast High School

How has Valerie’s House helped you with your grief journey?

“I don’t let it bother me as much as it used to.”

What advice would you give to another grieving child/teen?

“You shouldn’t let obstacles stand in your way of achieving your goals.”

If you had to describe yourself to a stranger in three adjectives, what would they be?

“Reluctant. Sincere. Motivated.”

What are your future goals? What’s next for you?

“I plan on attending college and getting a bachelor’s degree. Then, going to law school. I would like to specialize in the area of criminal justice.”

Class of 2021: Madison Austin from Mariner High School

How has Valerie’s House helped you with your grief journey?

“Valerie’s House has helped me in so many ways. I was able to control my anger and understand my grief.”

What advice would you give to another grieving child/teen?

“Find a way to express yourself in whatever it may be. Do not bottle up your feelings. Talk about it.”

If you had to describe yourself to a stranger in three adjectives, what would they be?

“Caring. Respectful. Honest.”

What are your future goals? What’s next for you?

“I am going to enlist in the US Army. I want to get an education to be a pediatrician.”

Class of 2021: Marissa Jean Blackburn from Lee Virtual School

How has Valerie’s House helped you with your grief journey?

“Valerie’s House has helped me so much to figure out the best way for me to grieve. I had to admit some very hard things to myself that I never thought bothered me. Now that I have, it’s a little easier, but it’s hard to do things I like because it just reminds me of why I’m grieving.”

What advice would you give to another grieving child/teen?

“I would let another grieving child/teen know that it’s not their fault. Their person is in a better place and, even though it may take time, Valerie’s House will help you find things that make you happy.”

If you had to describe yourself to a stranger in three adjectives, what would they be?

“Happy. Outgoing. Strong.”

What are your future goals? What’s next for you?

“My future goal is to have a career in criminal justice. I am going to a community college for two years and then a university for the last two.”

Class of 2021: Freya Turner from Lehigh Senior

How has Valerie’s House helped you with your grief journey?

“It has helped me be able to talk about it and finally accept my sister’s death. It has also helped me help others with their grief journeys. I help them feel welcome and have them realize that they are not alone in their journey.”

What advice would you give to another grieving child/teen?

“The advice I would give to another person, any age, is that you are not alone. There is not one instance in this world where someone is not going through something similar. It may take you a while to find it, but you will. And, they will be there for you. Take your own steps, mark your own journey and carve your own path. We will get through this all together. And, no matter how you see it- your loved one will always be with you.”

If you had to describe yourself to a stranger in three adjectives, what would they be?

“Kind. Open. Caring.”

What are your future goals? What’s next for you?

“What’s next for me is hopefully moving to Orlando and working for Disney and pursuing my art career.”