I Am Not Against Me Anymore – Meet Cecia Cruz

What inspired you to join Remarkably us? 

As a former foster youth, I have been exposed to traumatic events before and after being in the system. With my experience of mental health struggles, I learned to face my traumas. My journey to healing allowed me to learn through knowledge, therapy, and others’ stories so I provide hope to others that it truly can get better and know there are people like me rooting for you to succeed.  

I met Nancy in high school, the Founder of Remarkably Us in high school. We both shared our stories and realized the commonality of our experiences. As minorities, both women and Latinas, our perseverance to break family cycles allowed us to succeed despite all our adversities.  

Last family picture before being placed in the system (do you see the tension between my parents, my sister and I so oblivious)

 

Where do you want to travel next? 

I plan to go to Europe for the first time. I recently became an American citizen and obtained my passport so I may now see the world.  

–What inspired you to become a pet mom? 

My fur babies have shown me what unconditional love is. Their purity and innocence remind me of the beauty the world has to offer.

What is some mental health advice you can offer to former and current Latina foster youth? 

Something I would recommend anyone, especially Latina foster youth is to seek support, obtain resources, and even though the world around you seems to be against you, do not allow yourself to be against you! 

From experience, my mother refused to support me on going to college by denying me access to her taxes. I had dropped out of college due to mental health struggles and through it all, other people had faith and hoped for me to lift me back up. I learned that I am capable of more, the life that was given to me was not my choice, but it is my choice of how I make of it. 

Tell us a bit more about your experience on Jimmy Kimmel Live! 

I had gotten a message from a random lady asking me to be a part of Jimmy Kimmel Live. At first, I thought “this is a scam”. She encouraged me to fill out some forms asking for my private information. I was like “for sure this is a scam” since it was asking for my social security number. I took a risk and it turned out to be legitimate. Best decision I have made.

 

Tell me a fun fact about yourself  

I am bold, unapologetically myself. I am creative, crafty, witty, and kind.