Child Profiles
Miguel, born January 1996
Eleven-year-old Miguel may seem pretty shy when you first meet him, but it does not take long before this bright-eyed little boy opens up and shows you his rambunctious personality. Scott Light learned this recently when he met Miguel at the Phoenix Zoo.
The crisp morning air was perfect for an early adventure through the park. Miguel was more than ready to explore, beginning at the bridge leading to the zoo's entrance. Leaning forward on the metal railing, Miguel smiled from ear to ear. "Turtles are my favorite," he said. He pointed eagerly, identifying the numerous varieties of turtles he saw sunning on the logs in the lake below.
As he sat down to talk to Miguel at a shady picnic table, Light asked about the sights and sounds the boy had already taken in at the zoo. "What was the first animal you saw when you got here today," Light asked. Without hesitation, Miguel began to tell Light about the turtles he had seen on his way into the park. "What else have you seen so far?" Miguel answered with a short list of creatures. "Spider monkeys, ducks and more turtles." Without a doubt, Miguel was ready to see more of the animals listed on the zoo map clutched in his hands.
Miguel is an energetic and amusing young man with a variety of interests. In his free time, Miguel enjoys playing outside, watching television and expressing his creative side through drawing.
When it comes to TV, Miguel is a huge fan of cartoons and the Disney Channel. He also likes, "Sci Fi, TNT, (and) USA" channels. Miguel said that he especially enjoys SpongeBob SquarePants.
"Who's sponge bob's best friend," Light quizzed Miguel. "Patrick," Miguel responded without a moment's hesitation. Light was impressed. "Who's funnier - Patrick or SpongeBob," Light asked. Shaking his head knowingly, Miguel chimed back, "SpongeBob!"
A third grader, Miguel said that he enjoys school. His school provides a structured and predictable routine for him. "In the morning, we get our journals out and write. And on the board, it says 'Good morning class,'" he explained.
"Then what do you do after your journals," Light asked Miguel. "Go to reading and then lunch and then recess and then math class," he said. By far, though, Miguel's favorite class is PE. It is an opportunity to play and expend the extra energy that he cannot wiggle out in class.
The fun and laughter available on the school playground makes recess another great part of the day for Miguel. He noted that his favorite activity during recess is, "playing tag with my friends."
Miguel's time in the classroom has had a positive influence on him. When Light asked him what he would like to do when he gets older, Miguel had a quick answer. His chosen profession? "A teacher," he answered. "To help kids just like me."
Once home from school in the afternoon, Miguel said he likes to kick back, "watch TV and play with my toys." He also likes listening to Rap and grabbing a yummy snack, like bologna sandwiches.
Miguel's ideal family has two active and involved parents who are able to provide him plenty of attention, time, support and love. He would prefer to be an only child in his new family. It is important that his parents are able to provide support and advocacy for him scholastically. In addition, they should be able to give him consistency, structure, positive reinforcement, affection and guidance in the home.
For more information on Miguel or general information on adoption and foster care, please call AASK at (602)254-2275!
