PLANTING SEASON
We were always taught to, ” leave a place better than you found it “. I am ecstatic about the legacy I leave here.
I think few people, aside from Michael Santos, would truly understand the tow of implementing programs here in federal prison. Especially in a time of staff shortages and change.
I have been the Director of the Peer Success Program, here at Aliceville for one calendar year and the program has been a huge success. Lives have been changed on so many levels. I have never been so grateful.
What I know is that if I can build this here, under these difficult circumstances, I can do anything I put my mind to in the next phase of my life, and oh the many things I have a mind to do!
I find it so incredibly apropo to be leaving in the spring, growing out into the next phase of my life when all is new and fresh in the world around me.
My new probation officer recently visited my new home. If the reality of my clemency had not seemed real before, it did the day my significant other told me how they set a time to visit. Pinch me!
I will be leaving Federal Prison 17 years early. I have often been asked of late, if I , ” just filed a paper? “
The answer is that I have honestly been campaigning for my early release the entire time I have been in custody.
I currently live in the room with a woman who is here on a violation. She and I are both pending our great exodus around the same time.
Today, I was able to use the contrast of our situations as a perfect example to the young lady I am currently mentoring and training to take over the garden; my Bunkie has never had a plan, she does her time minding everyone else’s business, worried about things that don’t translate to a powerful re-entry and as a result she is STRESSED OUT.
I have spent my time creating a solid network of people who inspire me, support me and with laser sharp focus on my goals I know I will soon be achieving more than even I can plan.
I have taken the REMAKING OF ME, THE REBUILDING OF MY LIFE, quite seriously.
At first I spend my days smiling and making the most of each day in absolute defiance. I was determined that the oppressive government would not get me down, like some “stick it to the man”, agenda.
In the same way a drunk in treatment can, “fake it til you make it”, it served me well until I no longer needed that to hold onto. Sometimes it’s whatever you can find to propel you when all seems lost. Whatever rope you can find at the bottom of the hole.
Yesterday, I had a meeting with the social worker here. She is the most amazing woman who truly is perfectly suited for her job, she cares so much about the women here, this was most obvious when no other staff member would sign up to help me to facilitate the staff end of the PEER SUCCESS PROGRAM. She has been professional and courteous and I am able to add her to my short list of women here who taught me how to be a better person. A more effective leader.
She told me yesterday that she is so proud of me, she better than anyone knows the effort I make here to live a life with purpose. How crucial it has been to me to help in the transformation and empowerment for all the women who seek our mentorship.
A life of purpose can be found in any environment, it’s all about the seeds you plant.
