A clam…or God

Joy Ryan, President/CEO

If you had the opportunity to attend college, how many times did you change your major? If you had children who attended college, did they end up with the degree they were pursuing at the start?

“Best laid plans…” and all that.

We start asking kids to think about their futures when they are really little. I remember asking my then three-year-old nephew what he wanted to be when he grew up. His answer? “A clam.” Then, after a few seconds of contemplation, “Or God.” Now he is a doctor of physical therapy.

Children who have had to focus on the here and now—kids who have suffered abuse, neglect, or severe psychiatric issues—do not have plans and dreams. To them, the future is something that happens to them, usually unpleasantly. It is not something they choose to “make.”

So, as they heal at Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch, they learn that they have choices. They even dare to dream big.

This week, I received an email from Micah, one of our Administrative Assistants, about guests who had visited our campus. I’ve been smiling about it since I read it.

“Hello everyone and happy Monday, We were visited today by two previous residents, Rochelle and Tanya! They were both very excited to see people whom they knew from their time here and to tell us how great they’ve been doing. Rochelle is currently going to college to become a social worker while working a serving job, and Tanya was just accepted into her college’s nursing program with the goal of becoming a NICU nurse! We’re all so proud to see how far these girls have come and are excited to hear about their future accomplishments.”

If you ever wonder if your support and prayers for the children at Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch matter, there’s your answer! Please keep it up!

Of course, the girls might change their majors a few times, but “Hurray!” they are looking to the future!