My name is Christopher Hincka. I am 32 years old and currently incarcerated in the Federal Bureau of Prisons serving a 120-month sentence. I grew up in a rough neighborhood located in Flint, Michigan. i lived in a one-parent home with my mother and 3 siblings (all sisters). There were many men brought in and out of our lives and because of the alcohol and drug use there was always violence and physical, mental, and emotional abuse present in the home. Although I know I ultimately chose the path I took and made my own decisions, I let my environment mold my way of thinking and turned to the lifestyle of “the streets” at a young age. I began using and selling drugs extremely young and caught my first felony at the age of only 11 years old. Instead of learning from that and making better decisions, I dug myself deeper into the pit of destruction. I ended up in and out of juvenile detention centers and correctional facilities throughout my teenage years. Then at the age of 20 years old, the most traumatic event of my life took place. I was involved in an altercation that ended with one man losing his life and me being shot 6 times. I was deemed D.O.A. (Dead On Arrival) when the paramedics arrived but they were able to remove some of the blood from my lungs and get the air flowing to resuscitate me. That night I was listed as dead twice. I woke up in the hospital 2 days later and was charged with homicide. Within a year of the incident, I was tried for the case and found not guilty by jury by what is called justifiable homicide. After this, I had my ups and downs leading up to my incarceration. I started college classes but did not commit myself so I never finished and got my degree. I learned how to operate heavy machinery in which I loved to do. Then in 2017, an opportunity was created to set up a contract providing construction and renovation services to a management company. I started a sole proprietorship called Do-It-All Construction and Restoration. I started a 3 man crew and things were going well at first but approximately 4 months into working a prior case for drugs popped up on me and I was arrested. I lost my contract and watched everything I built crumble right before me. I lost all hope and I gave up. I turned back to the streets and everything that came with the lifestyle. I went right back to the exact thing I was running from. At that point, I went all in and was dealing with more drugs and money than ever before. Well, it did not last long and here I sit almost 5 years into my sentence. This 5 years has been a long journey but to be honest, it has been necessary. I have been able to open my eyes and do a real and honest evaluation of myself. Where I was headed and what I wanted my future to look like did not align. I have had to work on genuine change and preparation for my re-entry back into society. In this environment, it feels like everything is pulling against me at times and it is hard but I feel this has given my efforts value and has created more drive and motivation for me. Although I regret it had to be under these circumstances I am grateful for where I am at today mentally, emotionally, and most importantly spiritually. I strive daily to be the best man I can be and create as many opportunities available for my future as I can. I know my journey is not over and in fact, the best of it is just beginning. I look forward to what the future holds and while I am waiting for my return to society I look to learn, grow, and progress as much as possible. I want to thank Prison Professors Talent for the encouragement and support and I am optimistic about what the future holds! God Bless!
~Christopher Hincka~
