Stay Safe, Stay Aware: Nichole Watters Educates Foster Youth on Human Trafficking
Shoutout to Nichole Watters for using her voice to protect and empower vulnerable youth through her Life Skills Portal video with STUDENTS Speak Up for Kids
Nichole Watters created an important and timely video focused on raising awareness about human trafficking. It was specifically designed to help foster youth and aged-out young adults recognize warning signs and stay vigilant. Her goal was simple but powerful: to educate and protect youth who may be at higher risk due to their past experiences and limited support systems.
“I hope to see a handful of foster children and former foster children come across my video and be impacted by it one way or another,” Nichole said. “It will help aged-out foster youth be more vigilant and aware of their surroundings.”
Why This Matters
Foster youth often face unique vulnerabilities that can increase their risk of being targeted by traffickers, especially as they transition out of care. Nichole’s video offers not just information but empowerment, reminding youth that awareness is a tool for safety.
“This experience inspired me to help vulnerable former foster youth become more aware of their surroundings,” she said, “Supporting foster youth helps improve their psychological well-being, especially since many have faced trauma and neglect. Supportive adults can guide them in the right direction.”
A Moment of Impact
For Nichole, the most meaningful part of this project was the opportunity to educate.
“I feel like this video is going to make a real difference in the lives of many emerging adults, not just foster youth,” she said. “That’s what makes this project so important to me.”
Get Involved
Nichole encourages others to get involved too: “I would definitely try my best to get others to join STUDENTS Speak Up for Kids, mainly because of its impact on the lives of many young people.”
From education to protection, Nichole’s project shows that one video, one message, and one advocate can help keep young people safe and supported as they step into adulthood.
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