The most memorable and pleasant moment in my incarceration was the day I found out my article had been published by the Prison Journalism Project.
I knew it was the real deal and could call myself a published author and they even paid me a small honorarium. I have gone on to be published again by them and in several smaller journals. I also participate in every writing course I hear about. Prison gave me a love for creative writing. In the free world, I am a computer programmer, so I used to spend most of my time programming.
When I was denied access to computers and introduced to several prison writing contests, I found out I loved writing. Prison gave me the chance to find myself again after I had lost everything to drug addiction.
I had an apartment, a car, and a small tech business, but I lost it all because of meth. As my addiction worsened, I went into meth-induced psychosis and tried to steal an F-250 pickup truck. The owner jumped into the bed of the truck from some scaffolding as I took off. I was charged with second-degree kidnapping and attempted robbery. I was sentenced to 5 years and now have 16 months left.
I have completed my bachelor’s degree from the University of California and taken college algebra, trigonometry, and a graduate-level geography class through the University of Oregon Prison Education Program. I attend Catholic services in the chapel every week. In 2023, I completed confirmation classes and became a confirmed Catholic. I attend multiple 12-step meetings and am active in the recovery community here.
Today, my sobriety is one of the most important parts of my life. I am proud to say I am over three and a half years clean and sober. I still have struggles, like dealing with being overweight and overeating, but I hope to address these with better medical care upon release. Prison gave me the chance to become my authentic self.
My ultimate dream is to start a software company that trains and employs ex-felons as software developers. Only 16 months to go until I am free and I hope to pursue a part-time career as a freelance writer.
