Multicultural family embraces new experiences together

Three years ago Victoria was working as a technology teacher at a school in Colorado Springs when she learned three of her students who had always been “a ray of sunshine” in her day would be leaving to go to a foster care placement in Denver. After talking it over with her husband Aaron, they decided to become a kinship foster care placement for the sibling group. When the siblings, Xavier, Carmen and Carlos, arrived at Victoria and Aarons’s home they immediately got very excited when they recognized the Wonder Woman stickers on Victoria’s car and were very happy to see her. Now 14, 12 and 10 the siblings were adopted in 2021 and have improved both socially and academically.

“We knew they were looking for a permanent home but decided we would wait until the kids got to know us before discussing adoption but after living with us for six months the kids sat us down and said we need to talk. They said ‘We’ve already decided that we don’t want to wait and we are just telling you that we’ve already picked you to be our parents,’” said Victoria fondly. 

Victoria and Aaron are very proud of all their children’s accomplishments over the last three years. Their oldest son Xavier, who enjoys participating in sports, was behind in reading but now is a few years ahead in his reading level and has accomplished a goal he set for himself of making straight As. Their daughter Carmen, who wants to be a scientist when she grows up, has learned to embrace a positive growth mindset to help her overcome her dyslexia. Their youngest son Carlos excels in school, is learning Spanish, and loves comic books. The siblings also have an older sister who is nearing high school graduation, who was also adopted and lives in their neighborhood who they maintain a relationship with.

“They had never gone camping; now they are addicted. They had all these ‘nevers’ and so in the last three years we have done a lot,” said Victoria. “They’ve been to the Dominican Republic and we were able to take them to Disney World and to the ocean for the first time as a celebration after their adoption.”

The family also likes to spend time together playing board games. Victoria has started a tradition where everyone has to sing “We Are the Champions” by Queen to the winner of the game. The family is also very close with Victoria’s parents and sister. When they are at Victoria’s parent’s house they enjoy playing UNO Attack and bingo together. 

 “I get super competitive,” said Victoria. “I’m a golden retriever, I love everyone, but when it comes to games I am very serious. Aaron makes fun of me for my competitiveness,” she said.

As a multicultural family, they embrace all the cultures in their household. Victoria’s family is from Mexico and the children have embraced the Mexican culture they are being raised with. One thing Victoria stresses is greeting adults by shaking their hands in addition to the food and language. Victoria and Aaron have also taken time to learn more about the African American community and how to properly care for their children’s hair. Victoria says they especially enjoy going to community events and celebrating Black History Month every February. Victoria and Aaron also like to expose their children to other cultures through food. The kids especially like sushi and Indian food. 

“These kids needed someone but we needed them too. They are remarkable children who have had experiences that make them seem 80 years old sometimes because they have such wisdom. They have taught me so much about life,” said Victoria of the advice she gives to others considering adoption from foster care.  “I would tell people to open your heart.”