I’m Tony, and I am a resident at the Boys Ranch in Hahira. I have been there since April 14, 2022. When I first got to the Boys Ranch, I was nervous about everything that was happening. I was taken away from my family and placed with strangers, and that was scary for me. Soon those strangers became my family as well. I had a rocky start my first year at the Boys Ranch. I was getting into trouble a lot and not doing well at school. I was not promoted my first year of high school because I slacked off and did not give it my best. Thanks to the tutors, Mr. Shaun, and Ms. Angela, I started to care about what was happening to me and what will happen with my future if I don’t start turning things around. Ms. Angela made me give her an educational goal for the school year and she made me stick to it.
I started staying out of trouble and studying more at school. My teachers started bragging about me and making me believe that I can maintain passing grades if I put forth the effort. Right before my own eyes, I saw something in myself that had been hidden for so long. I started flourishing and meeting personal and educational goals.
I am not getting into trouble at the Boys Ranch anymore and have started earning incentives which still keeps me motivated today. I plan to graduate high school and attend college to study business. I want to one day own my own business. I also want to become a mentor for other youth with the same experiences. I want to thank the Boys Ranch for ensuring my safety and well-being during this journey.