I’ve had a wonderful experience here at Ozanam. I have grown up a lot during my stay here. When I first arrived, I felt like I had nothing to live for. I did not care about the people I hurt, the rules or my life.
During my journey at Ozanam, I have not only learned about feelings, but I have also gained them for myself. I have started loving and caring about people besides myself and have developed a conscience.
I started out hating the system, but now I am crying because I am leaving. I fought my staff emotionally and believed I was superior and smarter than everyone. Now, however, I love my staff and most of all Mr. Carter. I tried to be angry at him every other day at first, but I found out we were bonded so well that this was not possible.
This morning after getting a big hug from him, I started crying. He has been like a father to me, while holding me accountable like no other adult has before. He is the best father-figure I have ever had or respected.
I thank God for my stay at Ozanam and for the friends and staff that have greatly affected my life. I am going to a foster home and will graduate from high school in 2012. I also plan on going to college one day to become a clinical therapist.
- Written by Braydon on his last day at Ozanam.
