I have been a part of the Boys Ranch for nine years now. I was just a fourteen-year-old boy facing several challenges in life. My first night there, I remember just lying in bed thinking about where my life was headed and the hardships I had been through and what was ahead of me. I remember asking God why He took my mom from me, and why He gave me a father who was a drug addict who wanted nothing to do with me and only wanted to use me as his punching bag, and why did I have to worry about where I was going to sleep at night, and why did I have to worry if my dad was going to get me killed or sell me in a drug buy, and why was He making me go through the things I was going through. I remember just praying and asking God to please give me a better life, telling God I would do anything.
What I didn’t realize was, God answered that prayer for me before I even asked it. He answered that prayer by putting me at Boys Ranch. I realized that God knew what was best for me all along. I was just too angry to realize it. I remember being so upset and wanting to leave and go back home to be with my family. I felt alone and was scared. But then one day I realized that this place could be the miracle I needed in my life, so I decided to give it a chance and see what it was all about.
Well, I am happy to say that Boys Ranch has been the biggest blessing in my life. The Ranch has done so many things to help me focus on being a kind, well-mannered and respectable young man who people enjoy being around. My first year at the Ranch, I struggled with following the rules and obeying. I remember spending many weekends and a summer doing yard work with Mr. Shaun as a life lesson and spending days of my winter break out in the backyard picking up pinecones with Mr. Anthony. I am proud to say that I am so thankful for that, because it has played a big part in making me who I am today.
One of the biggest things I faced was a struggle with school. Once I lost my mom, I didn’t care about school, and I let my grades drop to failing. At the Ranch they provided the academic help I needed and got me passing the eighth grade with honors, all within one semester. Once I did that, I realized anything is possible if I just put my mind to it. I received several awards and honors and scholarships in high school and was able to build relationships with some wonderful people. I am now a senior at Valdosta State University pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice looking forward to graduating in December. I have been given the opportunity to complete an internship with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation this summer, and this has been one of the most awarding experiences. As part of my internship, I was able to attend the Georgia Gang Investigators Association Conference in Athens. My goal is to be a part of the GBI Gang Task Force. My heart has always been and always will be in law enforcement. After graduation, I’ll be back to finish chasing my dream job as a Special Agent with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
Another wonderful opportunity I have received while in college is to become a volunteer firefighter. I get to do what I love most, being a first responder and helping people and saving lives.
I owe a special thank you to some people who have gone above and beyond for me when they didn’t have to. Mr. Terry, Sheriff Janus Mangum, Sheriff Ashley Paulk, Sheriff Rod Howell, and Mrs. Lynn. I also want to give an extra special thank you to Sheriff Ashley Paulk and Sheriff Rod Howell who have given me the opportunity to complete my internship hours for school every semester with them. I have been able to work with some of the best law enforcement officers I know and learn so many things.
I will never have enough words to describe how thankful I am for you all. Without you and all the supporters of the Georgia Sheriffs’ Youth Homes, graduating high school, going to college, all the awards, accomplishments and opportunities I have received, would just be a dream. Without you, kids like me would never have a chance at life. None of this would be possible without you. I am so thankful for every single one of you.