Journal Entry: Gary Williams-04/19/2024-FIRST WEEK ON THE JOB

Journal Entry

I just completed my first week of my new job, though I only worked about 50% of my scheduled
hours due to circumstances beyond my control.

I am scheduled to work Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 7am-10am and again, 5pm-
8pm. However, one of the teacher/officers is on vacation and no one could cover his shifts so

Tuesday and Wednesday evening the education building was closed. Thursdays and Fridays I
work from 7am – 3pm (with an hour break for lunch). Due to yet another teacher/officer having
the day off with no coverage, the Education building was closed the entire day. I had the whole
day free – and unfortunately it was cold, overcast, dreary and snowy. At least I got some reading
and letter writing done.

I’m told that the Resource Center is “mine”, and making it “mine” is what I ‘m doing with gusto.
No one has ever catalogued what books and resources we have – so that’s one project of mine.
We have too many books for the shelves, and the extra books are strewn all over. I found another
bookshelf in storage and am re-arranging the books. I can’t stand clutter. I estimate that it will
take me 2-3 weeks to get everything categorized and rearranged. But it’s starting to take shape.
I’ve gotten great feedback on how the Resource Center is coming along. I want to make a
laminated list, organized by subject, of all our resources so people don’t need to waste their time
looking for something we might not have.

When I’m not cataloging or arranging, I’ve been helping other inmates with their reentry needs.
This, of course, is the most rewarding part of the job. I thrive on being of service to others. I
honestly think it helps me more than it helps them. I’m also looking forward to being called

upon to help teach and tutor. But in the meantime, I’ve my hands full with cataloging and
arranging!