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Maya never imagined her name on a global university roll call. But today, she’s pursuing a master’s in data science at a top-ranked university in Brisbane, Australia—proof of what’s possible when long-term investment meets unwavering belief.
She’s only the second girl from As Our Own to study abroad, carrying with her the love, care, and vision of a family that never gave up on her.
Maya entered our care at age three, shortly after her father passed away. Her mother, facing impossible circumstances, placed her four children in separate hostels—choosing future opportunity over present closeness. When her mother died during Maya’s ninth-grade year, she was left completely alone. It took years to understand that her mother’s choice wasn’t abandonment—it was a courageous act of love.
At As Our Own, Maya found more than safety and education—she found belonging and dignity.
The small things—birthday celebrations, encouragement from mentors, shared ice cream outings—made her feel seen.
As her curiosity grew, she discovered a love for logic and problem-solving, eventually pursuing engineering.
But the road to graduate school was filled with obstacles. She applied to a university in Brisbane—unaware of its prestigious global ranking and when she was accepted, it felt like a quiet miracle.
Now in her final semester, Maya is thriving. She’s part of her university’s technology club, an active leader in the Women in Tech community, and recently earned an innovation grant for improving student life. She also interns with a nonprofit, using data science to help deliver food and shelter to those in need.
Her dream? To create a platform that helps orphaned girls heal emotionally and thrive academically—and one day empower other girls in our care just like her to dream big.
“I don’t chase validation anymore,” she says. “I know who I am. I’m chosen. I’m loved. I’m empowered.”
Maya doesn’t call herself a success story. She calls herself a work in progress.
But for every girl watching, and every donor who wonders if long-term care truly works—her life shines with the answer.
