Journal Entry: Anabel Valenzuela-02/02/2025

Journal Entry

What were your greatest challenges in 2024, and how did you overcome them?

One on my greatest challenges in 2024 was readjusting. When the Dublin prison was closed in April. We were all shipped to other prisons abruptly. The fear of change after 15 years of being at that facility was very overwhelming. The way the whole closure came about and the way we were told the prison was closing was horrible. The thought of not knowing where I would end up was very scary. I was an established inmate at Dublin. I had a good job, good communication with staff, and a good daily routine. It was a shock to think of having to do my time some where else. California had been my home for so many years. I suffered a lot of anxiety over the whole move. I ended up in Aliceville, Alabama. When I first got to the compound I was a little scared it was very big and different. At the same time I was hopeful for a change. I was scared that after so many years at one institution it would be hard to adjust in a new prison. In the process I discovered so many positive things about myself with this move. I discovered that I had the skills and knowledge to adjust any where I am put at. That the location of where BOP placed me did not define me as a person. I was able to adjust fine, with all the skills I have I was able to obtain a good job in a good department. I was able to do the type of work that I like, which is teaching and helping others. This gave me a new sense of purpose in my daily prison life. I discovered that both prisons had many things in common and the skills I obtained while at Dublin no one could take from me. The move really threw a curveball at me, but in the process I grew, I learned I have so many talents and skills that can translate to real-world jobs. I do not have to fear re-entry as much. I learned that there are so many needs at every prison and we must continue to speak out about things that affect our daily prison life so that positive changes can come about to improve programming and opportunities at these places to prepare us for life outside of these walls. I have since made another move at the end of October and am now at the FSL in Danbury, CT. Life is a lot different here as well but I am adjusting a lot easier. Trying to stay positve and learning to overcome challenges better.