I focus on three key choices: what I direct my attention to, how I interpret its meaning, and what actions I take to create the outcomes I want.
Life can change in an instant—and for me, it did, more than once.In high school, I played basketball at a very high level, but trouble found me, and I was sent out of state. In Albuquerque, New Mexico, I got into more trouble, and when I returned home, I caught my first case.
Around that same time, the man I considered my father figure was sentenced to life without parole. To say this event impacted me is an understatement—it broke me. I took it to heart and made a reckless decision to make the world feel my pain.
But fast forward to today, and my story is different. I’m thriving in college, having earned my A.A. in psychology and now just a few units away from qualifying for my B.A. in the same field. More importantly, I’ve worked hard to transform my mindset and grow into a better version of myself. I focus on three key choices: what I direct my attention to, how I interpret its meaning, and what actions I take to create the outcomes I want. I’m also a Youth Offender Mentor, a role that brings me immense joy. Helping young men see their lives through a new lens and showing them that they can achieve their dreams with different decisions and determination has become a passion of mine.
You are my first letter since I’ve been in prison and I very much appreciate you, I look forward to hearing from you again.
