In the spirit of the holiday season, Saige shared her thoughts on Christmas, family traditions and the impact of her experiences at Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch.
“I like spending the holidays with my family,” Saige said. “I guess it’s never boring during Christmas.”
Unlike some of the summer months, Christmas at home is a whirlwind of activities and celebrations for Saige.
“We don’t really eat sugary cereal or stuff like that, so one tradition we have is that my mom gets us all Pop Tarts,” she said.
This simple yet cherished tradition adds a sweet touch to the holiday season.
Saige is incredibly active in the programs offered at Boys Ranch, including the hospitality Experiential Learning Program (ELP), catering, handling stock show animals and participating in athletics at Boys Ranch High School. Being so involved
provides her with valuable skills and staves off boredom. Saige’s involvement stems from a desire to explore diverse areas.
“I can just do a little bit of everything because I don’t like being bored, but I’m pretty tired all the time,” she said.
This outlook has led her to contemplate a future as an elementary school teacher, a testament to her varied interests. Acknowledging the impact of Boys Ranch, Saige had a heartfelt message for the donors.
“Thank you for giving me the opportunity to stay here, and it really has helped change who I am today,” she said.
The transformation from her previous life in Washington to her current self is a change she appreciates. For this resident, Christmas conjures up images of snow, lights and a sense of tradition.
“Christmas is actually my favorite holiday,” she said.
Although the snowy landscapes of the Northwest contrast with the ranch’s surroundings, the spirit of Christmas remains strong. Christmas at Boys Ranch comes with its own set of traditions, such as the cherished Christmas parties held within the residents’ houses.
“I’ve only been here for two, and we always have the Christmas parties in our houses where we get to hang out before people go home for Christmas,” she said. “I like it because my friends are in my home, so that’s pretty cool.”
At Boys Ranch, home life is a communal experience, particularly in this resident’s case.
The companionship of friends, coupled with shared interests, including sports, forms a tightly knit community.
In conclusion, Saige’s insight into her Christmas experiences and her journey at Boys Ranch provides a heartwarming glimpse into the blend of family, traditions and personal growth that define the holiday season for her.