Grow Through It: Adoption, Foster Care, Growing Up Challenges
In this revealing interview, Miles Cooley—lawyer, activist, and survivor—shares his raw, honest childhood journey of growing up biracial in the 70s, losing his mother to a drug overdose at age five, through his experience in an ill-suited adoption, and the difficult world of foster care. He reveals the life-changing mindset that allowed him to choose his own family and not let adults’ bad choices derail his destiny.
This interview is a must-watch for anyone seeking to understand the true meaning of resilience and forgiveness. Miles dives deep into:
The social stigma of his birth in 1969 and the impact of his mother’s death.
Running away from a difficult adoption placement and entering the foster care system.
The profound, life-long impact of his school psychologist, Leslie Cooley, who ultimately adopted him at age 18.
How he actively created a network of support to ensure his success. The mindset that empowered him to rise above his trauma and the importance of not letting the bad choices of others determine your future.
Miles’s story is a testament to the power of healing, personal agency, and finding light even when you feel completely unlucky.
Timestamps:
0:12 — Introduction
0:25 — What Happened? Miles’ journey from losing his mother at age 5, to being adopted, and ending up in foster care.
1:14 — How Did You Get Through It? His network of support, including Leslie Cooley, his school psychologist.
2:50 — What Did You Learn? — He was very lucky even for being unlucky, and learned personal power and resilience.
4:03 — What Advice Would You Give to Others Going Through Something Similar? — You are developing tools in these difficult situations. Stay positive, show good things to people and build relationships. Forgiveness is key.
If this interview resonated with you, please hit the LIKE button, SHARE this video, and SUBSCRIBE to the Grow Through It channel for more powerful stories of resilience and post-traumatic growth: → / @growthroughit.
Website: www.growthroughit.org
Instagram: @GrowThroughIt
Facebook: @GrowThroughIt
Miles Cooley is a passionate advocate for foster youth and supports organizations working to end the cycle of disconnect. We encourage you to learn more about the critical work being done by these groups:
Peace4Kids: A non-profit dedicated to providing consistent, supportive community for foster youth in Los Angeles and beyond.
AdoptUSKids: A national project that helps children in U.S. foster care find permanent, loving families.
National Foster Parent Association (NFPA): Providing information, training, and support for foster families across the country.
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