Hi Harper,

My name is Heather Dawson. I am 15 years old and I live in New York City. How old are you and where do you live? I love going to school. Ya know? Being whoever you want. I am a pretty smart person and my mom says that I will be a CEO of some business when I am older, but I don’t like to talk about it. I also like walking around the streets and looking into the windows and seeing the lights. How about you?

Hope to hear from you,

Heather

Hi Heather,

I am 16 years old and I live in Houston. I loved school. I had a lot of great friends. I loved math and English. Do you have any family members? I have my mom and sister and brother. My dad left us last year.

Thanks for reaching out,

Harper

Hey.

How is life? I got my first job this week at Walgreens. Any advice? My mom lost her job last week and didn’t tell us so we started to pack up our things this week. I think we are going to a shelter. I have a brother and baby sister, and my parents split up 5 years ago. My dad moved to Los Angeles, I think. While reading your letter I noticed that you said “loved.” Do you not go to school anymore? I am sorry about your dad.

Talk to you soon,

Heather

Hey.

I know how hard it is to have to move into a shelter. I did it when I was 11. My advice is don’t tell anybody at school and keep your head down. I had to drop out of school to get a full-time job for my family. I haven’t been back.

Good Luck,

Harper