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Author's Note: Each week, KSL brings you the stories of children living in foster care right here in our own communities. These kids need our help, and the opportunity to find a permanent home.SALT LAKE CITY — Imagine not knowing the next time you would have to move or where you'll spend your next birthday. That's the reality for hundreds of children living in the Utah foster care system. They need our help in finding a family they can call their own.
Seventeen-year-old Ryan has hopes, dreams and goals for the future even though the present is so uncertain.
When we asked Ryan where he wanted to spend his day, he chose the newsroom at KSL.
"Yeah, the lighting is definitely perfect," said Ryan.
Like any good aspiring journalist, he came with questions.
"So how long have you been in this business?" he asked KSL news anchor Andrew Wittenberg.
"What college degree do you have?" he asked KSL news anchor Lori Prichard.
Ryan toured the studios and especially liked the control room.
"Man, I could watch every single TV show I want," he said.
With a few pointers from the floor crew and a little hands-on learning, he got a taste of life as a reporter. Ryan is a motivated high school senior.
"Right now, I'm looking for a part-time job," he said.
Perhaps his urgency to plan for the future comes from his difficult past.
"My mom passed away June 22, 2009, when I was 11," he said.
Two years ago, Ryan's father also died. Since then, he's moved around in the foster care system.
"I have switched from three different families," he said.
Ryan remembers what it feels like to be part of a family and wants to find that again permanently.
"My main goal in life is to be a dad and have a family of my own," he said.
For now, the self-professed class clown will settle for applying to colleges. Ryan knows life hasn't always been easy for him, but he says he's stronger because of it and hopeful for a brighter future.
"Are you going to let life beat the crap out of you and keep you on the ground?" he asked. "I'm going to get back up and fight."
If you are interested in learning more about Ryan, you can find out more through the Adoption Exchange
