Michael Jayden Finds a Way Out of the Woods to Reclaim His Future
Growing up, Michael never had a blueprint for a stable life. Born into an Asian Indian
family in Southern California, he experienced a childhood marked by relentless turbulence.
Driven by an unstable, abusive father and a mother struggling with severe mental illness,
his family bounced between evictions, cheap hotels, and, at one point, even lived
out of a rented office space. By the time he reached the end of middle school, Michael
had already attended six different schools. At just 13 years old, he was forced to
be self-sufficient and became responsible for finding rooms to rent for the family.
Compounding the chaos at home were challenges that went unrecognized for years. Michael navigated special education classes and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) from elementary school through high school, but because his parents didn't understand neurodivergence, he wasn't officially diagnosed with ADHD and autism until age 17. The lack of a supportive environment left him struggling deeply with communication and anxiety.
The breaking point arrived in 2018, just months before his eighth-grade graduation. A violent domestic dispute in their living room ended with his mother being arrested and his father suffering a severe spinal injury from a fall. Suddenly, at 14, Michael became the sole caretaker for an abusive, heavy parent who refused physical therapy, medical advice, or any form of government or community assistance out of embarrassment.
Michael’s high school years turned into a nightmare. His nights were disturbed by his father's demands and drunken falls, while his days involved managing food stamps, dealing with angry landlords, and enduring constant verbal abuse. His father publicly humiliated him, screamed at him at night, and often threatened to abandon him. Living conditions worsened, grades dropped, and Michael struggled with severe depression, often crying alone in a park to avoid going home.
"Every time, I just wanted someone to hold my hand and help me, and I wanted to cry," Michael says, recalling the isolating cycle of emotional pain.
The turning point came when school authorities noticed his distress during IEP evaluations. School psychologists stepped in, offering basic hygiene guidance, structural resources, and a safe space to talk. Recognizing he could not survive under his father's toxic weight, Michael found the courage to speak up.
Ultimately, Michael chose to rewrite his narrative. He began living with his foster family in 2021, graduated from high school in 2022, and enrolled at Cerritos College, where he relied on academic and institutional support. He sought guidance from counselors, participated in student support programs such as EOPS and the former foster youth support program LINC/NextUp, and worked with mentors, including his LINC/NextUp program facilitator, Laura Delgado. He also served as an ambassador for LINC/NextUp and the Child Family Policy Institute of California, sharing his experiences and making a positive impact on the community.
On campus, Michael spent hours in his political science professors’ offices, focusing on learning and community building. He joined clubs, pursued study abroad opportunities, and formed lasting friendships. Last year, he moved into The Village, Cerritos College’s housing for students facing housing insecurity, where he embraced independent living.
Today, Michael published his autobiography, Echoes of Resilience, and graduated, celebrating with those who supported him through tough times. He will transfer to Cal State Dominguez Hills to pursue a degree in political science, with the goal of becoming the Secretary-General of the United Nations.
Reflecting on his journey, Michael advises students facing challenges: "Surround yourself with a support system... you’ve been through worse, and that will prepare you for the next chapter of your life."