She's going into the 5th grade, plays the guitar and trombone and sings in a choir. Ten-year-old Yesenia also likes basketball, and her social worker says she has superb reading comprehension and memory skills. Now this well-rounded girl is missing just one key element - a forever family to come home to each day.
As News 8's Marcella Lee pointed out the cute dimple on Yesenia's cheek, she asked her what people say about it. Yesenia's answer was surprising and sad.
"No one really notices it," Yesenia said.
Yesenia needs a forever family to relish in her uniqueness and praise her for her accomplishments - big, small and even circular. Yesenia can hula hoop for several minutes at a time. And when she's not putting her rhythm to the test, you'll like find her reading. Her favorite books are The Percy Jackson series, based on Greek mythology.
"The first book is the Lightning Thief, the second one the Sea of Monsters, the third one, the Titan's Curse, the fourth one, the Battle of the Labyrinth and the fifth one The Last Olympian," she listed.
If Yesenia could write a chapter in her own life story, it would include a permanent home with a loving and caring family.
Yesenia, who is of African American and Pakistani descent, still has contact with her birth family and wants to continue those relationships, but what she's lacking is a forever family to give her the stability and support she needs. All she wants is a place to call home and a family to love her.
And after talking to Yesenia for a while, Marcella discovered she has been on News 8 once before.
Back in February, Yesenia performed on News 8 with the Mada Children's Choir, when News 8's Kimberly King featured the non-profit academy dedicated to providing music and after school tutoring to kids.
Yesenia said she loves to dance and sing with the group, and after a little coaxing, she gave Marcella a solo performance.
Yesenia is looking for a family who will appreciate her shining light. Her social workers call her smart and spunky, and Marcella found her to be poised and polite.
"When we get home from school I get out my uniform, and I do my homework, after that, I ask my foster mom is there anything to do? And after I'm done with my chores, I go out and play," Yesenia explained.
And though Yesenia has a good foster home, what she deserves a family to call her very own.
If you are interested in adopting from foster care, or becoming a foster family, call 1-877-I-ADOPT-U to learn more about getting started or go to their website to take that first step and fill out an adoption form.
