A strong work ethic has not only brought Cristian, 16, a sense of accomplishment and achievement since arriving at Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch, but it has also helped him make friends and learn from mentors.

Learning about agriculture and being involved in FFA has been a highlight for Cristian.

“I’ve had an interest in just working outside and working with animals for a really long time, so I figured I would take the opportunity,” he said.

Cristian cares for a sheep daily and shows it in stock shows, which requires a lot of time of attention.

“You have to wash it and clean its pen. It’s not high maintenance at all,” he said.

“The most challenging part is probably leading them because they’re very stubborn and very young. Getting them to walk with you and into the right position to prepare for shows can be really difficult.”

Cristian said that while he gets nervous on stock show days, he has learned from classmates how to present in a show.

“Patience is a really big thing. The sheep are young, they’re stubborn, and they’re not always willing to cooperate. So, patience is a really big thing that I’ve learned,” he said. “I’ve learned to keep a schedule for feeding them, cleaning them, and training them.”

Cristian has also served as a team manager for the Boys Ranch High School football and basketball teams.

“It’s a way to be involved in sports without having to play the sport,” he said.

“It’s also been helpful in making friends and being involved with school activities.”

Cristian has learned from others living at Boys Ranch, such as 2024 graduate Andrew, who helped him with FFA. However, he also credits his teachers for encouraging him to learn new things and take a leap of faith into new activities.

One mentor who stands out is Hal Davis, director of Experiential Learning Programs (ELP).

“We just started talking and having good conversations. After a while, I decided I wanted to do my ELP in the barn because I realized it had something to do with animals, and it intrigued me,” Cristian said.

“I think it’s that Mr. Davis can understand when I have my rough days and when I have my good days. He has experience raising kids, so I think that he is friendly and just understands when we’re having hard times. He’s someone I know I can trust, and we can hang out if I just need to regulate.”

Cristian said he enjoys being part of ELP because it allows him to explore his interests and prepare for the workforce.

“You get to learn things from people who have done it before and see what to do and not to do in certain situations,” he said. “It prepares you for what you’re going to step into someday.”

Cristian hopes to one day be a mechanic and thanks donors for providing opportunities for him to learn new skills before he begins independent living after high school.

“It’s a new opportunity for a new life and a new way to see life,” he said. “That is the reason a lot of us are here, and we have that chance because of the donors.”