A funny thing happened on my way out of the library the other morning. As I was headed back to
my unit to get ready for lunch, I heard my name being called. I turned around and it was an
inmate. He was in charge of some tutoring as well as some GED classes and had heard about me
from one of the teachers whom I had introduced myself earlier, and expressed a desire to teach
and to work in the Education Center. The inmate asked if I could come back at noon to speak
with him.
At noon I went back to the Education Center. The inmate was thrilled I was good at math and
had me teach an impromptu lesson on fractions and percentages. He was thrilled with my
teaching and said he would talk to the head teacher to hire me on the spot. It was then that
another inmate who works in the Resource Center came in. He, too, had heard about me and
wanted me to work in the Resource Center. The two then started to fight over me. I said,
jokingly, “Guys, I’m still in the room. This is really weird for me!” I then left, with the promise I’d
come visit the Resource Center in the am.
The next morning, as promised, I went to the Resource Center. The inmate almost immediately
brought me to the head officer in charge of the Resource Center – a different one than that who
heads the GED and tutoring programs. I met with him and he conducted a formal interview. At
the end, he said, “you’re hired!” He said that he and the other officer in charge of GED/Tutoring
would decide where I was needed most. This was perfect since I didn’t want to offend either of
the two inmates who were fighting over me.
Ultimately, it was decided I would work in the Resource Center, but if there was a need for
teaching and/or tutoring I would be very welcome to help and participate as well. That sounded
perfect to me.
I’m learning more and more about our Resource Center and am very impressed. Not only will I
be learning a lot, but it will be very helpful to me as I prepare for my release. The Resource
Center is where one would go for various forms: Tax forms, credit forms, forms for Veterans.
The Resource Center has all kinds of information about re-entry: all the state forms for
requesting Driver licenses, birth certificates, Residential Re-entry centers (halfway houses).
There are references on how to find a job, build a resume. You name it, we probably have it. The
Resource Center also has an inter-library Loan program where inmates can request books and
other materials from the local county library. The Resource Center also handles the scheduling
and paperwork for the in-person adult continuing education classes.
I feel so fortunate to have been wanted so badly for the position. I feel more fortunate to be able
to again be of service to others. I’m going to learn a lot. I’m very lucky.
