Today, I want to talk about all the things Boys Town did not teach me. I did not learn that I had to be my best at something to have purpose. My coaches were patient with me and taught me how to be my personal best. I was never told that I was less than or weird because I liked something others didn't. Instead, teachers and staff took time out of their day to start activities like book club for students who shared an interest in reading. I didn't learn to push people away or that I couldn't rely on anyone. I had family teachers and other staff who, though not related through blood, chose to support me.

At Boys Town, I wasn't taught that I was stupid because I had bad grades or made bad choices. Instead, I was shown that I have the potential to be whoever and whatever I want, as long as I am willing to put in the work. Most importantly, I was never taught that my past would define my future. Thank you to all the staff of Boys Town, all the family teachers, all the AFTs, just everybody in general. You think you don't have the capabilities, you really do because Boys Town is going to show you that. Now I'm on a journey that I also never saw possible for myself.

So, thank you. Thanks for everything.