DaTayia wishes to go to Disneyland.

I would love the opportunity to experience a day at Disneyland :)! It has been a lifelong dream of mine, and having the chance to finally visit would mean the world to me.

Ever since I was a kid, Disneyland has been at the top of my dream list. I grew up on Disney—I can name just about every character and movie. It’s always been more than just an amusement park to me; it represents magic, childhood dreams, and a place I’ve longed to experience in real life. While Universal Studios was also on my list, Disneyland was always the ultimate dream.

As a former foster youth who entered the system at just seven years old, I’ve had to find my own ways to experience the things I’ve always wanted. When I was 15, I couldn’t go to Disneyland, so I bought the Disneyland Xbox game and played it in my living room just to feel like I was there. Over the years, I’ve researched ticket prices, saved hotel options, and planned for the day I could finally go.

Now, you might be wondering—why haven’t I just gone as an adult? Simply put, Disneyland is expensive. But I’m determined to make it happen. Right now, I’m a tutor at an elementary school with my own class, and after just three months, I’ve been told I’m being considered for a supervisor position—an unexpected blessing! On top of that, I’m relaunching my small business, Tootie’s Goodies, which I originally started in 2023. My grandmother was a huge inspiration for me—she made me realize my idea could be something real if I put my mind to it. When I first started, I used my last bit of money to buy baking ingredients and essentials, but I struggled to get clients. Eventually, I had to pause the business after I was accepted into aesthetician school.

That, too, was a blessing—I graduated in December 2023, received my certificate, and am now waiting for my license. I’m also working toward a degree in business administration for aesthetics, which I’ll complete this fall. Now, with the support of my fiancé, I’ve restarted Tootie’s Goodies, and this time, I’m committed to growing it—not just for myself, but as a dedication to my grandmother, who always believed in me.

This summer, I plan to sell as many baked goods as I can to cover any extra expenses for Disneyland. If I get the opportunity for some help with a ticket, I’ll make sure I do everything possible to make this dream a reality. It would truly mean the world to me. Thank you so much for considering and supporting my dream!