Todd finds fulfillment in helping peers achieve success

One by one, Kevin, Randall and Preston stood in front of their peers to share words of encouragement with Todd as he joined them as a fellow "Top Hand," the second-highest rank at the Methodist Children's Home Boys Ranch.

As each Top Hand offered words of support for Todd during the special luncheon held in his honor, they expressed their gratitude for his friend-ship and his willingness to freely provide a listening ear or assistance with Ranch projects and schoolwork.

Kevin, who received the Top Hand last August, summed up their respect for Todd.

"Anytime I need help, Todd's there for me," Kevin said. "He never says 'no' to anything I need."

During his time at the Ranch, Todd has developed a strong desire to help his peers, whether it's working along-side a friend to complete a metal or woodworking project, or using his knowledge of math to help a classmate solve a challenging problem. Todd admits he finds a sense of fulfillment in sharing his gifts and talents with others.

"I like to help people figure things out," he said. "It makes me feel good to see them do well."

Todd's desire to help others achieve success comes from being a self-described "perfectionist." His motivation to excel is evident in many areas of his life as he serves as a positive influence in his home unit, earns high grades in the classroom, garners recognition for his work with lambs in the FFA program and maintains off-campus employment.

"I always like to be one of the top people in everything I do," said Todd. "The bad thing about being a perfectionist, though, is that I'm really hard on myself. But I know things can't always be perfect."

Todd admits that life prior to coming to the Boys Ranch was far from perfect. As he dealt with issues of anger and poor self-esteem, Todd began to search for acceptance from older boys. He made poor choices in friends, experimented with drugs, skipped school and spent time on probation resulting from criminal activity. With tension building at home and running out of options, Todd's mother gave him a choice: she would either have him placed in a state youth facility or at the Boys Ranch, which she discovered through her church.

Today, Todd is thankful his parents sent him to the Boys Ranch in 2001. The structured program of care has provided Todd avenues to learn self-discipline, build self-esteem, develop patience, focus on academics and improve his interpersonal skills.

"Today, one of Todd's greatest strengths is his ability to establish positive relationships with his peers," said Ranch administrator Don Scott during Todd's awards luncheon. "He enjoys helping others."

Among those Todd enjoys helping the most are the younger boys at the Ranch. When Todd came to the Ranch at age 15, he remembers looking up to the older residents. Now, as one of the older boys, Todd understands the importance of modeling positive behavior.

"I understand the importance of good behavior because I know people are watching me," he said. "It's important for me to help the younger boys make good choices and to get on the right path in life."

It's the same path Todd has discovered during his time at the Boys Ranch.

This article appeared in the March 2004 issue of Sunshine. Methodist Children's Home, Waco, Texas