August 11, 2026
From FriendsPDX to Loyola Chicago
Karla's journey to college on the Jordan Wings Scholarship
After twelve years with Friends of the Children – Portland, Karla is spreading her wings and heading off to college at Loyola University Chicago.
Her earliest memories of her time at FriendsPDX are full of discovery – from creating new art projects to finding a love for reading with the Harry Potter series with her first mentor, Briana, who still works at the organization in a leadership role.
Six years ago, Karla was matched with her current mentor, Janeyry in the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. They had to get creative to find safe ways to build their relationship, and they both recall lots of video chats and walks around Karla's neighborhood.
Once it was safe to be in public spaces, they continued to build their relationship with activities like cooking, thrifting, and spending time together at our Rockwood Campus.
Winning the Wings Scholarship
This spring, Janeyry encouraged Karla to apply for the Jordan Brand Wings Scholarship, which is a scholarship to support low-income students with tuition expenses and set students up for a better future.
The application requirements include two essays, one on self-determination, one on strength, as well as a self-made video showing the applicants' personality.
"Throughout the [application] process, it really spoke a lot about self-determination and grounding into who you are," said Janeyry. "They wanted to get to know Karla. They weren't looking for perfection; they were looking for youth showing up with a foundation and a real desire to prosper in life."
Karla decided to write her essays about family. "I talked about family, which is kind of cliché, but family is such a big part of who I am," said Karla. "In foster care, I used to think I'd never find a family or be part of one. And then I did find my family — not just blood family, but chosen family too."
Winning this scholarship was a big deal, not just to help put Karla through college, but to help build her confidence. "There was a point where I didn't believe in myself and almost didn't submit it because I couldn't figure out what to write," said Karla.
She determined to focus on showing up, doing her best, and putting the effort in. The application process was a journey, and putting in the work to finish it has helped Karla feel more prepared for college and the challenges that will inevitably come with it.
Reflecting on the last twelve years
Reflecting on their time together, Janeyry said: "It's been such a treat, honestly, being called a mentor. As much as she says she's learned from me, I've learned so much from her."
When asked to describe her experience at FriendsPDX in one word, Karla said, "I think I would definitely say adventurous. Not just adventurous outdoors, but adventurous in myself — in growing. I've grown so much."
Looking to the future
This August, Karla heads to Chicago to study political science on a pre-law track. She's nervous about the distance from her siblings and her mentor, but she's excited about a new city and new challenges.
Of her mentoring mindset, Janeyry said: "I remind her every time we're together that life is hard, but as long as we show up, that's enough," she says. "She's evolving, and I'm so grateful to be part of her life. That's why I keep doing this job."
As she looks ahead, Karla is no longer the child who feared she'd never belong. She's a bright, brave young adult headed out on her next adventure, eager to use the tools and life lessons she’s learned over the last 12 years to navigate the next chapter.