Today’s journal: I’d like to think that I am an ambassador for change. I’m serving a 9 year or 108 month sentence for robbery. I was sentence in Washington,DC Superior court. Since my incarceration I’ve taken major steps in redeveloping my mindset. Where I was once was focusing on my own inner-satisfactions, my addictions took the greater part of me away from who I was truly born to be. I won’t try to draw a picture that excuses or try to excuse any of my actions. My up bringing was no more harsh than a lot of others that have been faced to challenge to difficulties of growing up in what we call the hood. I rebelled against my mother and some of the choices that she made concerning my life. Being moved from one place to another time and time again did not help. I submitted to peers of my own because I wanted to be received and welcomed. Breaking laws that where created to assist in my development were my way of life. Fast forward—–Today I make decisions based on how I want to be treated. I’ve learned through taking different courses/classes that have helped reshape the way I think. Nothing has affected my way of thinking more than when I became aware of Michael Santos Success After Prison course. Just reading about his life story which by far did not compare to my own life story but I understood his words, his desire to want to change a bad behavior into a good behavior. I’ve read the 5 hour course, the 10 hour course, and the 30 hour course, all of which has caused me to look into my innerself and change for me. Today, I’m a facilitator of the Success After Prison course here at Leavenworth USP/FCI. I’m helping other become aware of their thoughts and how they affect their actions. I’m the walking miracle today and I lead by example. I’ve brought my recidivism from high to presently low. I’ve participated in well over 25 FSA courses, even though I’m not granted the FSA credits because I’m a DC sentenced inmate. I am not granted time off or the Second Chance Act credits. Today, I’m a better thinking man. I feel good about who I am and I know where I am going. I advocate for change in this federal system that has created an environment that is very easy to fall into the negative realm of things. Over the last 6 years of my incarceration, I have never hat a shot(write-up) for violating the rules set before me. I’m grateful to Mr. Santos and the staff at Prison Professor for all that they do in standing and fighting for the rights of people like me. I’m working toward Earning Freedom-my freedom back and living a positive life.
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