Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
HERRIMAN — Inside a Herriman pottery studio, 17-year-old Kye finds calm in the clay. She first tried pottery in seventh grade, not knowing it would become one of her favorite ways to unwind. “It’s therapeutic for me. I do it to help with my stress,” she said. “I am more calm. I am more relaxed.” Kye has been through a lot in her short life. But even when things get tough, she keeps moving forward. “Yes, I’ve gone through bad stuff throughout my life. But it’s not like it’s going to define me,” she said.
Small pieces, big pride
Kye focuses on the good: the small victories that take shape one layer at a time. Her pieces may start small, but the pride she feels is anything but. “It brings me joy and shows that I’m actually a better person than what I am. I can actually do stuff that most people don’t think I can do,” Kye said. [gallery columns="2" size="full" ids="835637,835638,835639,835640"]
The power of not giving up
Pottery doesn’t always go as planned. Some pieces wobble, some collapse, but Kye never quits. “I don’t give up,” she said. These days, Kye is working toward graduating early and preparing for a career in cosmetology. “I’m actually in a class for barbering, so I cut hair at school,” she said. She’s hands-on, hardworking and ready to shape a future she’s proud of.
Anchored by family
One of the things that keeps Kye grounded are her four younger siblings, who are in the process of being adopted. “I’m happy for them because they get to have a family that they can actually be happy with, and I get to visit them too,” she said. Kye is now with her own foster mom who has shown her what a steady, loving home can look like. “She’s really nice. She cares for me as her own daughter and loves me,” Kye said. Kye is hoping for what every teen deserves: a home that’s supportive, loving and caring, and a family ready to cheer her on as she molds the next chapter of her life.
How you can help
Kye hopes to continue pottery for the rest of her life, a creative outlet that brings her peace and joy. With the right support, she’s excited to keep creating, keep learning and keep moving forward. To learn more about Kye or explore adoption, please contact Raise the Future at 801-265-0444.
