At 26 years old, my life took a profound turn. You never forget the date, and mine was 3/4/2019, the start of my federal incarceration. What brought me to the federal prison system for the 13.4 years (160 months) sentence was being involved in a dark web drug conspiracy. During my pre-trial detention, nothing could prepare me for the daunting challenge the federal justice system had in store for me facing a 10 years up to a life sentence involving fentanyl & heroin. News media sources all throughout my community in Arizona were making stories about me, and I felt embarrassed, and I was concerned for my little family I was starting. I became a father 13 days after my arrest and it was one of the most heart-aching moments I’ve had to endure, hearing the birth of my son over a collect call. What should have been a moment of joy, was spoiled, and then came the pictures of my son…which saved my life.
Facing a life sentence did make me contemplate suicide, and I can remember telling my mother and sister what was the point of continuing on if there was nothing to live for. But that moment I laid eyes on my son in those photos changed everything for me. I realized that regardless of the legal outcome I was going to be there for him the best I could inside, and when I come every day until I stop breathing. I still had the power to shape my future, and a beast was awoken inside me so I chose to become the man I knew I should have been all along.
My journey of redemption began with an unwavering commitment to self-improvement, embarking on a quest to understand the law to better understand my circumstances ultimately graduating from the Blackstone Career Institutes paralegal program. Since then I have been using my knowledge to assist others in navigating their legal processes, providing hope and guidance to those facing the struggles of justice-impacted persons like myself. My aspirations don’t end there, currently, I’m pursuing associate degrees in psychology, and sociology through Victor Valley Community College in California. These studies are driven by my desire to acquire the credentials necessary to be taken seriously by my community so I may serve them and fulfill the goal of owning and operating a halfway house/wellness center that will actually help justice-impacted persons, and those struggling with substance abuse orders. I envision a future where I can not only guide individuals on their path of personal growth but also provide a space for healing and transformation. I owe it to myself, and my community to help wake up as many people as I can from the traps that are ready to ensnare young men and women down a path of self-sabotage.
I live by the motto that as human beings we can do so much better, our potential is immeasurable. No matter where one starts, there’s always room for improvement. I thank Michael Santos for giving me this attitude, for creating prison professors, doing all that he does. I came across his books and videos while i was in pre-trial detention and he’s a big part of why I do what I do now. Napoleon Hill says you must have a burning desire to acquire what you want, that burning desire led me to Mr… Santos’ work. The universe showed me I wasn’t alone and there are those who came before me that laid a path. It is a duty to pick up his torch and continue for self-betterment by continuously working on the roads he built and constructing new ones along the way. We all have the potential to make this time our greatest asset, time and life are too short for mediocracy. Like Mr.. Santos I too want my name to be synonymous with redemption, leadership, and a beacon of hope for the justice-impacted community.
