I think my first love was music and learning guitar. As I got older I started to lose sight of my plans, thanks to addiction and severe depression and self-harm.
I spent the last decade finding my way back through education.In the words of the Foo Fighters “All my life I have been searching for something, something never comes, and leads to nothing.” I have spent the last decade devoted to college education and programming.
I have earned 130 certifications while incarcerated and recently graduated from Ashland University with an Associate in Arts degree. I am a certified Forensic Peer and Recovery Specialist working inside the institution. I have seen the impact of hope and change in my clients’ lives, and mine as well. It is difficult as a justice involved person to affect change and hope into others, but I have done my best to show that a prison sentence can be used wisely and to ones own personal growth and benefit.
I am of the belief that all people have worth and purpose. “Through reflection and education, people can become the best versions of themselves that they were meant to become, to better help their communities once they are released.” I am slated for release in June and plan to continue my education and work toward meaningful change in criminal justice reform.
It is difficult as a justice-involved person to affect change and hope in others. I have done my best to show that a prison sentence can be used wisely and to one’s own personal growth and benefit.
