Etched in Sand: A True Story of Five Siblings Who Survived an Unspeakable Childhood on Long Island

Regina Calcaterra is a successful lawyer, New York State official, and activist. Her early life, however, was quite different. Regina and her four siblings survived an abusive and painful childhood only to find themselves faced with the challenges of the foster-care system and intermittent homelessness. Despite her difficult circumstances, she remained committed to her education, and eventually put herself through college. Etched in Sand is a reminder for students that regardless of social status, the American Dream is still within reach for those who have the desire and the determination to succeed. Regina is on the board of You Gotta Believe—an organization whose aim is to find adoptive parents for teens and pre-teens before they age out of the foster care system and run the extremely high risk of becoming homeless. Visit yougottabelieve.org for more information.