IRVING, Texas — One flip. Two flips. Three.
This week’s Wednesday’s Child is 12-year-old Katrina, and for her tumbling through the air is second nature.
“I just do flips for no reason,” she said with a grin. “I do random flips and make up my own flips and stuff.”
But it’s not just her athleticism that stands out; it’s her spirit. Katrina is quick-witted, creative, and deeply kind.
“I’m very funny, I’m smart, and I’m kind, and I will do the weirdest things,” she said. “And I love to draw. Obsessed with animals.”
She’s also not shy about sharing her voice — whether she’s laughing with new friends or singing a tune at the top of her lungs. At Ground Control Trampoline Park in Las Colinas, Katrina’s energy is magnetic. She makes connections easily.
“When I make a friend, I hold on to them,” she said.
Her interests are as vibrant as her personality. Katrina loves all things related to Japan and has even started teaching herself the language.
“If you want to know anything about me, it’s that anything Japan I will take,” she said. “I even have a whole book on learning Japanese.”
Her love of anime has also shaped how she sees the world and herself. She admires characters who rise above difficult beginnings to become strong and confident.
“At school, people bring me down, but I just build myself back up,” she said. That resilience is something she hopes to carry into a future with a forever family.
Katrina dreams of a home where she feels understood — a place where she can be herself, decorate her own room, and share everyday moments like vacations and laughter.
“I’m gonna bring my smartness, my kindness and definitely my funniness,” she said. “Because I think they’re gonna get a kick out of me.”
If she could name her greatest strength, she wouldn’t hesitate. “If I had one superpower it would be my quirkiness and my funniness because it would bring the best out of people.”
Right now, Katrina is still waiting.
“You want to get out of foster care, don’t you?” she was asked. “Uh, yeah,” she replied.
“I don’t know about anyone else who’s in foster care, but for me it’s just something about it that makes me feel… oppressed. Makes me feel trapped.”
Her hope is simply a chance to belong.
“I want to become a smart and intelligent young woman,” she said.
And the truth is — she already is.
If you would like to learn more about adopting Katrina and how to get the process started, call EMPOWER at (833) 7FOSTER. Press * or email wednesdayschild@3empower.org. Don’t forget to include Katrina’s name within the subject line.
If you would like to read more Wednesday’s Child stories, click here.