Jayden came to Boys and Girls Country when he was 13 years old. He found it hard to trust new places and people due to his difficult childhood. It took several weeks for Jayden to acclimate to his new surroundings, allowing his houseparents to earn his trust and help him feel secure and safe. Finally feeling a sense of being at home, Jayden began to show his optimistic and creative spirit by sporting unique haircuts as an outlet for expression.
As an avid reader, Jayden could often be found getting lost in Roman literature and philosophy between his schoolwork and part-time job. Despite his love of learning, Jayden was eager to leave high school behind and enter adulthood. During his sophomore year, he enrolled in a self-paced curriculum program and graduated early the following year and chose to leave BGC.
While relieved to be entering a new chapter, Jayden encountered difficulties in finding a sense of purpose. It wasn’t long before the harsh consequences of his actions caught up with him, leaving him without a home and drifting between shelters and makeshift havens each night. Realizing he could no longer take on these battles alone, he reached back out to the one place he could always call home.
Jayden began rebuilding his life with the help of his BGC mentors Richard and Trevion. They created a plan to regain his confidence and approach life with determination. Inspired by the military, Jayden visited the local recruiter’s office to explore his options. The United States Air Force stood out to him for its personal growth opportunities. Jayden eagerly enlisted and welcomed the feelings of excitement and anxiety that followed this life-changing decision.
Jayden graduated from basic training this spring and is currently training to become a Munitions and Missile Maintenance expert, which requires mastering the compounding of various chemicals essential for the creation of combat materials. As he looks back on his journey to this moment, Jayden expresses gratitude for the help provided by BGC. “Trevion has been like a guiding light for me. He is more than a mentor; he is family. Whenever I felt lost, he showed me a positive image to look up to. He was always there to give me rides and take my mind off the craziness of the world. He stuck by my side and believed in me, even when things seemed tough.”
Jayden is eagerly anticipating the future as he prepares for his role as an airman. With his newfound confidence, he is determined to focus on his professional growth and advancement. He credits his faith in Jesus Christ for his strength and resiliency. “I’m grateful for Jesus and the way I can communicate with Him. His love, light and guidance have been crucial for me in overcoming generational challenges and navigating the hand I’ve been dealt.”
Jayden’s journey is a testament to the power of faith, resilience and the support of family. We pray for continued strength and wisdom as he forges his path towards independence and stability.
