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Have you ever heard the expression “smartest dumb guy”? If we’re friends, chances are you’ve remarked about how fitting this saying is for me. On February 3rd, 2020 – a day I will never forget… I decided it was a brilliant move to cross the Mexican border in pursuit of painkillers. Spoiler alert: not my best idea and it didn’t go well.
While at the border entrance on my return trip, I faced routine questioning by an agent. Although I declared the medication, I also spun a tale about the meds being for my mom, not me. Long story short, that lie led to a guilty plea of “lying to a federal officer.” Glamorous, right?
Now, let me be absolutely clear…. There’s a whole saga behind this…a tale for another day (if you wish to read that story, you’ll find the link down below…soon). However equally important I need everyone to know – I messed up, big time. I had no business venturing to Mexico for painkillers, this is 100% my fault. However, does it really matter anymore? Regardless of whatever I/you think about my situation I have now done the time and served the sentence.
In total I ended up spending 11 months at the Leavenworth prison camp in Kansas. From day one, I decided if I was going to fail this spectacularly, I would use this opportunity as a catalyst for growth. I knew my flaws – laziness, entitlement, arrogance, and selfishness. The promise of delivering on commitments, something once paramount to me, had faded. Right then, I vowed to turn things around. I vowed that this place would never beat me.
So, I got to work. I rolled up my sleeves. I took a job most people do not want and something I would never usually do. I worked in the kitchen – cleaning tables and serving inmates. I blitzed through a year-long paralegal program in under six months, earning a 95% GPA. I took RDAP. I not only graduated but I also gave the commencement speech.
Within RDAP, I stepped into leadership roles, from core chair (the highest office in RDAP…think Leader of RDAP) to Tutoring and re-entry chair. I read over 150 books, accompanied by over 30 book reports. Plus, I shed over 70 pounds and got into the best shape of my life. But the thing I was most proud of was…helping fellow inmates navigate everything from wills and divorces to child custody and appeals. My efforts reduced inmates sentences by over 30 years cumulatively. I helped everyone I could. EVERYONE!
I also wrote a weekly newsletter. What started as a little something for family and friends has grown into a read for hundreds of people all across the country. It’s even opened doors to some pretty incredible opportunities, a friend believes a possible scholarship to a top ranked law school with living accommodations included. Which of course I am considering.
Now, I’m in my first month of home confinement, working hard to rebuild the relationships I damaged. I’m beyond grateful for the unwavering support of friends and family every step of the way. I am no way fixed but I have made incredible strides and I have a newfound sense of purpose and happiness. I have reminded myself what I am capable of. I will once again be the friend/son I want to be.
I will once again be a force to be reckoned with. I know it will be hard…after all I am now a felon…. But I am excited to have my life back. I’m excited to move forward.
