It’s here where I found my true identity and sense of purpose.
While incarcerated, I have been employed as an Offender Care Aide. There are three levels—I, II, and III—Level III being the highest. I have been privileged to be trained and work in Hospice Care. It’s here where I found my true identity and sense of purpose. My first experience was with an older gentleman named Mr. Z. He had such a gentle soul and disposition despite his circumstances. I came to admire his strength and meekness. His soft-spoken manner was so tranquil, yet very authoritative. Daily, we would converse about life and the journey ahead. It was during those conversations that I experienced a profound paradigm shift. I no longer viewed other residents or myself, through the hierarchy of prison politics. Regardless of circumstances, we all transition to the next life. With my changed perspective came changed behavior. As Mr. Z influenced me, I too influenced him, to fight and to live. Assisting Mr. Z for two years was a very special gift. I witnessed a man on his deathbed (in Hospice) recover and walk out of that infirmary to his loving family. My takeaway is this: I gained something I never had before my incarceration: humility.
