Merissa is a dedicated individual who was placed in the system along with her siblings. She wants to provide for her younger brother and help him achieve success. Merissa aims to show her siblings that they can overcome challenges and accomplish their goals. For a long time, she believed she wasn't worthy of amazing things, but now she wants to demonstrate her value. She desires to take all the hardships she has experienced and transform them into something positive, advocating for others along the way. Merissa has stepped out of her comfort zone to pursue her passions. Some of her favorite activities include learning to play musical instruments, crocheting, baking, and cooking. In five years, she envisions herself having a master’s degree, stable housing, a more reliable car, and a job in resources or a similar field.