DALLAS — Before The State Fair of Texas wrapped for the season, WFAA took Wednesday's Child 16-year-old Zykeria to see Big Tex for the first time.
"I wanna win a big stuffed animal," she said full of excitement as she entered the Midway.
Zykeria had the chance to meet "little" Big Tex, win a stuffed animal at every stop, and even got on a ride that scared her half to death.
"It was all amazing," she said.
Her experience is just some of the fun Zykeria wants to share with the forever family who finds her.
"I want a loving family that cares for me and that will understand me and love me for me."
Zykeria is energetic, bubbly and always trying to find the fun in situations, even if it's eating broccoli micro-beans instead of a burger at the fair.
"Tastes like I'm eating grass," she said honestly while making everyone laugh.
"I'm funny. I'm outgoing and I like to try new things," she said.
After 11 years in foster care, Zykeria has learned not to take herself too seriously.
"I've been participating in therapy. I've been following the rules and at my placement where I am right now, I haven't gotten any write-ups"
Just as the State Fair welcomed Zykeria with open arms, Zykeria belongs to a church that has welcomed her into the Christian community.
"I'm getting baptized this Sunday," she said. "My pastor's baptizing me and he's one of my favorites. He comes and visits us every Wednesday."
Zykeria says when life gets hectic around her, she prays.
"I usually ask God to help me with like the problems I have every day because, in my placement, it's crazy. There's a lot of fights that happen and stuff so I always ask God to heal the people and touch them."
Zykeria also asks God to watch over her biological sisters who she misses so much. All of them were separated in the foster care system.
"I love my sisters. I haven't seen them for a while but I still love them," she said.
Zykeria entered foster care at the age of 5 and now faces aging out in two years at the age of 18. She doesn't want that to happen, so she continues to try and make good choices. When WFAA asked her what she would tell the 5-year-old inside of her, she paused for a moment and then in an emotional moment spoke from the heart.
"That everything is going to be okay and that you'll overcome it."
If you have felt Zykeria growing in your heart, she's excited to meet you and to feel the love.
"Love. That's the first thing. Don't look at me like some kid you took in from foster care. As if they actually gave birth to me."
If you would like to learn more about Zykeria and how to adopt her, please call EMPOWER at (833) 7FOSTER and press * or email them at wednesdayschild@3empower.org
If you would like to read more of Wednesday's Child stories, click here.