Kathia's interview with KOLO 8 News Now's Sarah Johns took place in July of 2009. Washoe County Social Services says she is still currently looking for permanent adoption.

" I am nine. Going to be ten next week."

9 going on 20 year old Kathia and I met at the Sparks Marian this week to enjoy the water. After all, that's one of Kathia's favorite places to be -- in the water.

"That's my favorite thing to do is swim."

"The first thing I need to teach you is this is the boom. You never stand up in a boat because boom is the sound it'll make when it hits you in the head."

She and sailing instructor Craig Cowan spent time on the Sparks Marina. And while she's never been in a sailboat, Kathia's sharp mind has her steering the craft within minutes.

Sarah: "What'd you learn?"
Kathia: " When you go this way, the boat goes that way"

Kathia's love for sports goes beyond the water. She professes to love all sports, and wants parents to play with her -- whether that be volleyball, basketball, or even taking hikes in the mountains.

When she's not trailblazing, Kathia is reading. Right now her book is

"Diablo My Dream Horse. It's about this horse abused by his owner... And that horse becomes hers in the end. "

Fitting that a story of a horse broken by one family finds another in a young girl. For that's what Kathia wants. And for a agirl as bright as she, she knows of love, yet the concept is foreign.

Sarah: "What do you think love means?"
Kathia: "I have no clue."
Sarah: "Do you want parents to love you?"
Kathia: "Yes, of course I do."
Sarah: "How would they show that to you?"
Kathia: "I told you, I don't know."