Tanner Via-Root has faced more challenges than most young men his age. Growing up in poverty, he entered the foster care system at age 11. At 13, Tanner lost both of his parents in the span of 10 months. Grieving their loss and adjusting to life as an orphan, Tanner found solace in reading as an escape from his reality. At Arcata High School, wrestling became his emotional outlet. He excelled academically and graduated in June. This fall, he will attend UC Berkeley, hoping to become the first in his family to earn a degree. Tanner plans to double major in psychology and computer science, using his empathy and tech skills to support mental health.