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Prior to prison I was a college athlete running track and playing baseball. I had a full time job as a fitness counselor and had a beautiful, kind loving pitbull named Eva.

Gerardo “Jerry,” “Junebug”, 39
Incarcerated: 16 years
Housed: Centinela State Prison, Imperial, California

Prior to prison I was a college athlete running track and playing baseball. I had a full time job as a fitness counselor and had a beautiful, kind loving pitbull named Eva. My life was tied together by sports. I always felt it was my ticket to a brighter future. I constantly found myself surrounded by friends having a good time. Today I realize I never had any real friends because every one of them has turned their backs on me. Being alone has been the hardest adjustment Iโ€™ve had to make, now I understand the true meaning of family and friendship. I truly value those who have stood by me during these hard times. Itโ€™s easy to take things for granted, but I canโ€™t do that. I embrace the things I donโ€™t have and honor the things I do. Iโ€™ve spent many days and nights searching deep inside myself to find where I went wrong and why things turned out this way. Iโ€™ve made a lot of changes for the better to become the best version of myself and to praise those who walk this journey by my side and if Iโ€™m ever given an opportunity to regain my life, the first thing on my list is to show people how much I appreciate them. We all make mistakes in our lives and sometimes there are consequences for our poor choices. Itโ€™s what we do in our efforts to change and learn from our actions.

Even though I am locked up, Iโ€™d like to think I can do some good and lend my voice to someone out there in hopes my story can make a difference. My new voice is spoken through my art. It is also the sole reason Humans of San Quentin came to hear of me, through my platform on, Art For Redemption. I came into prison scared and confused and only worthy of drawing stick figures. I was sitting in isolation and my neighbor came to check on me and saw I wasnโ€™t doing well. He suggested I try drawing, but I had no skills. He continued to visit me and each day he gave me tips and showed me his techniques enough to where I could fly on my own; that was 16 years ago. Today, my art has touched every corner of the globe and itโ€™s how Iโ€™ve become inspired to continue with people out there in the real world picking me up with praise, letting me know I matter and Iโ€™ve done something to draw their interest. My passion lies in the emotions I put on paper, sometimes sad and sometimes happy. It all translates to the same language when a piece is complete.

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