As a child, Nathan was rescued from Hurricane Harvey, but that was just one of the hardships he endured during life in a sometimes-dangerous neighborhood. Looking for a path out of his situation, he found Cal Farley's Boys Ranch online and asked his mother to send him. She agreed.

At Boys Ranch, he became a straight B student and learned that he loves helping others. Now, the senior hopes to become the kind of person who rescues people when they need it. Nathan’s first houseparent at Boy’s Ranch was a lieutenant in the fire department.

“I didn’t have a passion at the time and he’s like, ‘You’re coming with me,’” Nathan remembered. “I started to like it after a couple of practices and trainings. And then I started going on fires as part of the Junior Fire Crew, and I learned to love it.”

Nathan found his passion in pursuing perfection and battling blazes. More than that, he found his career path. After graduation, he plans to go to the fire academy and become a firefighter himself—with the goal of becoming a wildland firefighter.

Nathan’s dedication to his journey toward adulthood has included regular participation in the Junior Fire Crew.

“Nathan has been one of our more dedicated Junior Fire Crew members and has been on more calls than most participants,” Assistant Fire Chief Leon Hollis said. “He has found his way and has become a leader with the team.”

Boys Ranch donors, Nathan said, have been a critical part of his path to adulthood.

“This place couldn’t be made without them,” he said. “Boys Ranch helped me work through so many problems. It couldn’t have been done without them.”

You have the power to change the future for children like Nathan. Contact the Office of Planned Giving at 1-800-687-3722 or giving@calfarley.org to learn how.