Tory’ana Afornorpe has been able to put her love of writing into action.
“I’ve always loved to write,” said Afornorpe, who is pursuing an associate’s degree at Clatsop Community College. “One day I kind of just sat down and started writing and didn’t realize how long the story actually was.”
Born in Seattle, Afornorpe spent three years with her biological parents before moving into foster care. Two years later, her brother, Theo, would join her.
Over the next 10 years, the pair would spend time in different foster homes. During this time, Afornorpe said she was subject to abuse and neglect that still affects her today.
Though life in foster care was difficult, and she took on caregiving responsibilities for her younger siblings, Afornorpe has met challenges head-on.
“The story of how I ended up in foster care was I had a rash and apparently my father took me to school and the teacher found out,” Afornorpe said. “Even though my parents had a doctor’s note, the people who took me away said it was neglect. Since my mom was drinking at the time, she was ruled as unfit to raise me.”
Now, Afornorpe, who lives in a local shelter, found a job and has written an autobiography called “I’m Glad I Lived.”
The book is about her childhood and the challenges she said have made her a stronger person.
“But it’s also about me jumping through obstacles as a child, going through trauma and abuse with me and my little brother,” Afornorpe said. “Then I dive into my healing process throughout the book and I give some advice.”
“It’s a sad, heartbreaking book,” she added, “but it lets them know that they aren’t alone. We are here to help.”
After spending 10 years in foster care, Afornorpe connected with a new family and moved to Astoria in 2015. Though she loves the scenery, she describes her time in the city as a bumpy ride.
“I’m still dealing with anxiety, depression and panic attacks,” Afornorpe said. “But having the great moments with my siblings like the Enchanted Forest, the Portland Zoo is good. I like how beautiful Oregon is.”
Now, Afornorpe leaves home every morning to take the bus to Clatsop Community College, has lunch at the Bandit Cafe, attends more classes, then checks in with her instructors before heading home.
Then, on the weekends, she works at Walmart to pay for living expenses.
She is also working on a second book, a collection of poems titled “Strangers with Memories.”
Writing, she said, is her way of sharing her voice with the world.
At Clatsop Community College, Afornorpe is a member of the TRIO program, the Fiber Arts Club and was recently inducted into Phi Theta Kappa, a national honor society for community colleges.
She also is back in contact with her biological parents and sometimes visits them during the holidays. She said her goal is to transfer to another college in Oregon to continue her studies.
“I feel like my purpose in life is to help people,” Afornorpe said, “so I’m currently majoring in sociology with hopes of becoming a therapist.”