I am currently in RDAP, now ‘K4’, a residential drug abuse program unit which has many programs and allows individuals to address their issues and prepare for reintegration back into society. This is well within my wheelhouse through reentry and change. I am currently still facilitating Prison Professors’ courses, assisting staff and administration, also mentoring as many men as they prepare for their next chapter of life as a free men. Change needs to start from within and if someone has accepted responsibility and is willing to change, they have the world of opportunities. This is important, in order to prepare for our next step of life.
For me, I believe in preparing for release starts on the date you are arrested. There is a time to reflect, and then there will be a time to prepare. That portion is an ever-changing and adapting process that must need to be adjusted as life changes occur. I spent nearly two decades on Active Duty in the Army and have adapted that process for my 200-month federal sentence. Since I began my incarceration I knew I had to give back and started working with the Reentry Affairs coordinator and have been working as her clerk since 2019. I lead an inmate-led reentry committee in which I work in continuous mentorship to all inmates by providing classes and resources to best assist them and the institution in their transition to reintegrating into society. My advocacy is helping others with this life change and in turn, this process helps me. I try to live my life like I would be getting out later this year, despite the release date I have.
Thank you for this opportunity to tell you a little more about myself and participate in this scholarship application.
