Trina always knew she was different. Originally from Ville Platte, in the Acadiana region of Louisiana, Trina had been in the foster care system since she was one year old. At age 8, she was adopted out of the foster care system. Her adoptive mother helped her discover her interest in fashion and makeup early on, encouraging her to find herself. 

Tragically, her adoptive mother died when Trina was 10. Her adoptive father did not accept Trina as transgender, subjecting her to years of abuse. Finally, Trina’s adoptive father threw her out halfway through her senior year, which forced her to drop out of high school. “It was then that I started wondering, ‘Is my life over already?’” Trina remembered. 

A neighbor took her in for several months before taking her to Covenant House. Trina quickly connected with the staff here. “They really treat you like they’re your mama or auntie,” she said. “They provide you with all sorts of resources.” 

Once here, she got a job as a hotel housekeeper. “I did not like that job at all,” she said while laughing. “I learned a lot, there, though— that I did not want to do that for the rest of my life.” 

Trina knew she needed to go back to school, so she connected with education counselor Ms. Jane. “She really helped me find a school that would be the best fit,” Trina said— an important task given that New Orleans uniquely does not have neighborhood schools. This week, she’ll be starting at The NET Charter High School in New Orleans East.

Although she’s nervous about a new school, she’s looking forward to attending classes again. “Math and science are my favorite classes— algebra, geometry, and all that,” she says. 

“I don’t want to stop there,” Trina said. After graduation, she plans to attend a Licensed Practical Nursing program to earn a living, then study for a cosmetology license. This will set her up for her dream of becoming an entrepreneur. “I want to own my own boutique or beauty salon,” she says. 

When she thinks about all the help that Covenant House has given her, Trina said, “I really think God puts the things you need in front of you.”  For her, the future finally feels bright— and she’s ready to step into it with confidence thanks to her hard work and to the shelter, relentless support, and unconditional love flowing from Covenant House.