Three years ago, I was uprooted from my not-so-comfy home and placed into foster care. I was confused, upset, and scared. I had no idea what was waiting for me. I was told by my case manager that I would be placed at Georgia Sheriffs’ Boys Ranch. I was so scared it would be like the foster care system on TV. However, the Boys Ranch turned out to be my home I never knew I needed.
I already have a brother, but I have never had a sister. I have always wanted one, and now I have many of them at the Boys Ranch. We all love each other, even if we don’t always get along. The relationship that I have with my house parents, Mr. and Mrs. Germaine, goes beyond just a typical relationship. It’s love and that is something I definitely needed in my life. My house parents love me through all of my ups and downs. I claim them as my bonus parents. They taught me how to drive and helped me get my drivers’ license. The Boys Ranch also helped me get a job. I worked at a fast-food restaurant for a year and a half, and that taught me valuable skills, like having great customer service and budgeting. I am thankful that the Boys Ranch allowed me to work and grow as a good citizen in the community.
The Boys Ranch has also given me great experiences that I would not have been able to do with my parents. For example, I went to “Candytopia” in Atlanta for one of my sister’s birthdays. We got to jump into a marshmallow pool and saw huge sculptures of candy in every room. We also had the opportunity to meet Shaquille O’Neal, talking with him and taking pictures with him. We have visited the Selfie Museum, and I was able to take a bunch of pictures with my sisters. We’ve been to Jekyll Island, and I loved it. This past spring break, we went to the Flint River Aquarium and I got to hold a baby alligator!
Other important people in my life at the Boys Ranch are Mr. Shaun, the Resident Director; and Ms. Jobeth, another house parent. She is the sweetest lady you will ever meet, and I love her so much! My tutors helped with my academics. I’m just eternally grateful to the Boys Ranch for every opportunity and experience provided to me during this journey. After graduation, I plan to attend college at Kennesaw State University or Wiregrass Tech. I hope to pursue a degree in psychology and become a child therapist to help children who have been through trauma.