Life, for me, is full of potential. I recognize that I have a lot to offer, and with the many sacrifices made on my behalf, I know I can make my family proud.
When I think about what makes me human, it’s my ability to own my mistakes and address the things that make me anti-human. I met a man named Lyle, who taught me that I am not my past and that my past does not define me. He mentored me toward a healthier view of myself and others. He loves me like a father loves a son, and I am better because of his belief in me. I am grateful for this man because I was lost, and now I have been found and blessed with love. He never discouraged me, even when I kept running my head against wall after wall. Instead, he always offered his hand to help me up.
I share this with all of you because I smile now—something I couldn’t do before. I used to be consumed with shame for my past and myself. I hated who I was, and my actions reflected that.
Valley State Prison: Home of the Second Chance.
I didn’t want to leave my mentor, Lyle, but it was time for me to bloom where I am planted. To take what I’ve learned from this man of God and apply it to my life. It was rough at first, but I am starting to find my groove. I earned my G.E.D. I am in a class called the Journey to Wellness and Victim’s Impact. This is my first semester at Merced Community College. I am headed in the right direction. I look forward to each day with an attitude of gratitude. I know that when I have the opportunity to see and speak with my family again, they will see the changes in me. I am fortunate, and I know it. Being incarcerated is hard; however, this period of correction will help ensure that I don’t hurt others or myself. I made a lot of bad choices in my youth—that’s not an excuse, but I will use this time to make better choices and take responsibility for my past actions. My past does not define me, but connecting the dots is part of prevention. No More Victims is my motto.
Life, for me, is full of potential. I recognize that I have a lot to offer, and with the many sacrifices made on my behalf, I know I can make my family proud. Lyle helped me find my true self, and the seeds of life he planted in me are now forming a tree that screams thankfulness.
I am human.
I see others as human, and that has made all the difference. I am connected. It was in isolation that I hurt others. I am not an outsider.
I am human.
“Love… love… which is capable of liberating both the survivor and the perpetrator together. In any event, without that (love), neither will be able to recognize the truth of our situation. A complex gathering with a heavenly response.”
