My name is JaNyria, and I’m 18 years old. I currently live in Baton Rouge and am pursuing a bachelor’s degree in registered nursing at Southern University. Inspired by my great-grandmother, who was also a registered nurse, I’m passionate about carrying on her legacy of working in a helping profession, with the hope of becoming an anesthesiologist one day.
Boys Town came into my life when I was 17 years old. At the time, I had entered foster care after moving between different family members and eventually dropping out of high school. I moved into a Boys Town girls’ Family Home, and with their support, I was able to start my senior year at Booker T. Washington High School.
Despite all the obstacles, I was able to graduate high school on time. During my senior year, I worked part-time, managed my classes, and participated in the Boys Town Successful Futures (SF) program as much as I could. Semaj C. Douglas, my SF Specialist, and Topher Bordenave, the SF Program Director, worked closely with me, helping me stay on track to graduate, figure out my next steps, and navigate my relationships with family.
Now, I’m in college! Thanks to Boys Town’s Explorers Scholarship, which supports SF graduates pursuing higher education, I’m have support in funding my tuition allowing me to focus on my studies and pursuing my dreams of helping others and finding stability.
What stands out most to me about the Successful Futures program is the unwavering guidance and support I received. They taught me how to plan for my future, stay motivated, and manage challenges like depression and mental health struggles. The program gave me a sense of community, a safe space to grow, and the confidence to never give up on my goals.
I wouldn’t be where I am today without Boys Town and the Successful Futures program. They gave me hope, direction, and the tools to turn my dreams into reality.
