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SALT LAKE CITY -- Finding success in life takes dedication and perseverance. Those are traits this week's Wednesday's Child is working hard at.
RJ, age 15, may look like a typical 9th grader, but after a few minutes of talking to him you realize there's a lot more to this soft-spoken kid than meets the eye.
RJ has moved around a lot over the past eight years. He's been in 12 different foster homes and he admits it's been tough at times.
"You get to know people and then you get like really close, and then you move," RJ said. "It's hard to let go of somebody."
But the experience has also made RJ stronger. It's taught him that even though his surroundings may change, he is in control of his future.
Birthday: 07/1995
Age: 15
Grade in School: 9th
Special Interests: Being outdoors, sports, camping
R.J. truly enjoys the benefits that can come from his efforts. Being outdoors, scouting, camping, sports and hanging out with his friends are a few of his favorite pastimes.
"Sometimes it's good going to different places because they teach you how to live life and how to take care of yourself," he said.
RJ loves scouting and sports, especially football. Now he's learned to love school because he knows it's the key to his future success.
"When I first went into 9th grade I had straight F's. Now I have A's and B's," he said. "I used to think of school that it really doesn't matter, but now I'm actually doing something with my life."
RJ is focused, driven and is ready for the next step in his life -- and he hopes that includes a loving family.
"Just a family to be active in and treat me like their own kid," he said.
Email: jstagg@ksl.com
