Three years ago, Jayden moved to Boys Ranch from Del Rio, Texas. Since then, he has embraced new friendships, discovered activities that bring him joy, and grown into a confident young man.
“My friend Elijah is really good at football, and he got me into it too,” Jayden said. “I look up to him a lot. He’s been teaching me how to be a better player. I really enjoy playing football and basketball because it’s a chance to throw the ball around and have a good time with my friends.”
Beyond sports, Jayden has found other meaningful ways to bond with his peers. He loves the outdoors and enjoys being surrounded by his friends and classmates. One of his favorite memories is participating in the annual Christmas Cantata at Boys Ranch.
“I like seeing everyone perform their part,” Jayden said. “It’s cool watching them in a different light as they bring the story of Christmas to life. Each year, I try to improve in my role as a shepherd.”
For Jayden, Christmas holds a special place in his heart. It’s a time to cherish moments with loved ones and appreciate the thoughtfulness behind each gift.
“My favorite part of Christmas is watching my family give each other presents,” Jayden said. “It’s not just about the gifts, but the effort that goes into choosing something special for each person. Seeing their reactions is really cool.”
At Boys Ranch, Jayden has found the support he needs to dream big and plan for his future. With the encouragement of his family and friends, he hopes to pursue a college education and explore his passion for history after graduation.
“I’m really interested in the history of Native Americans,” Jayden said. “I want to earn a football scholarship so I can get a good education and study an important part of our history.”
While at Boys Ranch, Jayden has learned many valuable life lessons. One of the most important, he says, is mutual respect. He understands that respect is the foundation for strong relationships.
“I want to thank my house parents, the Griffins and the Sloans, for always being there for me and showing me respect,” Jayden said. “They make me feel like I matter, and it makes me care about myself even more. I also want to thank the donors for giving me the chance to have a family and make new friends.”