Have Museum, Will Travel: A Foster’s First Time Out of Cali

By Ricardo Ramirez, California Youth Connection member, Foster Youth Museum docent, Playmaker Rookie of the Year 2016

My name is Ricardo and I am a docent for the Foster Youth Museum and our exhibit in Arkansas.

This is my first trip ever outside of California and my first time flying. So far I am blown away with every aspect! I am proud to be a part of this team and to help bring the Foster Youth Museum to Arkansas.

I strongly believe Foster Youth Museum helps to tell an untold story about the types of problems and experiences that are all too common in the foster care system but unknown to those on the outside. It’s been a long two days building the stands and setting up the art and artifacts donated by the youth who have been through “the system.” It has given me a new appreciation for the Museum and the youth who work hard to make their stories known. I am grateful to be a part of such an awesome team and to be able to travel—something some youth never get to do.

At the time of this blog being typed I am as tired (and as happy) as a kid who’s been playing on the playground all day–we started the day with breakfast put the finishing touches on our Museum, visited the famous Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville and spent hours taking in the awesome art collection. We finished off with a trip to The Hive for dinner and checked out the art at the hotel/museum in the same building–what an unexpected adventure to eat with a five foot penguin sitting at our table!

Arkansas has truly been an enjoyable first time out of Cali despite it being a working trip. Now I wait for tomorrow and our grand opening/reception. I’ve drawn the early shift so I’ll be there at 9 a.m. I’m excited to see the turnout and engage with the community. With that being said, it’s time to get some much needed rest for tomorrow’s big day.

Thanks to everyone who is supporting us and stay connected to our journey and work opening up hearts and minds about foster youths’ lives on Facebook and Twitter. Search for our hashtag #FYMuseum