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Maya never imagined her name on a global university roll call. Today, she holds a master’s degree in data science from a top-ranked university in Australia, a reflection of what is possible when long-term investment meets unwavering belief.
She is part of a growing number of daughters from As Our Own studying 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 felt completely alone. It took years, through trauma-informed care, counseling, and consistent support, to understand that her mother’s choice was not 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, helped her feel seen. As her curiosity grew, she discovered a love for logic and problem-solving, eventually pursuing engineering.
The road to graduate school was not easy. She applied to a university in Australia without fully realizing its global standing. When she was accepted, it felt like a quiet miracle.
Over time, she grew into that opportunity. She became an active leader in the Women in Tech community, contributed to her university’s technology club, and earned an innovation grant for improving student life. She also interned with a nonprofit, using data science to help deliver food and shelter to those in need.
This past December, our team traveled to stand with Maya as she graduated.
It was not just a milestone. It was the culmination of years of steady care, education, and belief, and the beginning of a new chapter marked by independence and leadership.
Today, Maya is a confident young woman, full of energy, strength, and hope for what lies ahead. She continues to encourage and mentor others, especially younger girls who are just beginning their journeys.
Her dream is to create a platform that helps girls heal emotionally and thrive academically, and to open doors for others to follow.
“Through this family I found my value. I don’t chase validation anymore,” she says. “I know who I am. I’m chosen. I’m loved. I’m empowered.”
Maya does not call herself a success story. She calls herself a work in progress.
But for every girl watching, and every donor who wonders what long-term care makes possible, she is already the answer.
