I Am Using Weekends at Tucson Federal Prison Camp to Stay on Track.
When I first arrived at Tucson Federal Prison Camp, I noticed something about the weekends. During the week, a lot is going on. People move around to jobs and classes. There is a routine.
On the weekends, that changes. The camp slows down. Many people wait for visits, while others spend time in the unit. The pace is different.
I decided early on not to waste these days. My release plan makes it clear what I promised to do with my time here. Part of that is using the quiet weekends to document my progress.
This weekend, I reviewed my release plan and added some new goals based on what I am learning here. I also started preparing outlines for book reports, which I will complete while serving my sentence.
More importantly, I called my wife and kids. Before surrendering, I promised them I would stay committed to our family while here. I told them what I was working on and how I am making the most of each day. They know this is not about talk. It is about actions they can see.
If you are preparing to surrender, understand that what you do here, on the good days and on the slow days, builds the record that your judge, probation officer, and case manager will later review.
One question I wrote in my journal this morning: Will my release plan show I followed through on the commitments I made to my family before I surrendered?
