DETROIT (WXYZ) — Strolling through the mall with friends, playing card games, and participating in sports are just a few of Aliya’s favorite things. The 13-year-old in foster care is hoping a family will adopt her so she can share those experiences with them, too.
“I would say that I’m pretty athletic,” said Aliya. “I really like to play soccer. I used to be in gymnastics,” she explained.
“I like to do cross country. I like to run a lot. A couple of summers ago, I used to run five miles every day,” she added proudly.
She used to run with her dog “Squirrel” and admits that she misses the Weimaraner a lot.
Despite her adoration for dogs, her favorite animal is actually the elephant.
One of her go-to card games is Apples to Apples.
But she also likes to be a girly-girl and shop a little.
“I like to go to the mall. I like to shop. I like to look around. I like to get my nails done,” said Aliya.
When she grows up, she wants to be a nurse or help deliver babies.
“I want to be a midwife. I just like babies, They’re so adorable. I’d like to help give birth to babies. You get to hold them. So, that’s a great part,” she said.
Reading is her favorite subject, but lately she’s become a big fan of writing poetry.
“I write about my life’s story. I don’t really know what inspires me. I just picked up pencil and paper one day and just started writing,” she explained.
“I like writing about being stuck and then coming out of it. I like writing about God. I’m very spiritual,” said Aliya.
She's experienced some tough times, but she’s not giving up.
“I’ve been through a lot so, like, I’m trying to overcome it right now. I’m trying to be strong so I can help other people when I grow up,” she said.
Being adopted would be a dream come true.
“Really what I’m looking forward to in a family is a mom and a dad. Family is a loving caring home that’s safe and that will protect me,” she said.
“I just need you to help me get through what I’m going through. I just need a safe and provided home and someone that will love and care about me and will be there for me when I’m crying,” she confided.
If you’d like to learn more about Aliya, click here.
If you’d like to adopt Aliya, call the Michigan Adoption Resource Exchange at (800)589-6273.
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