Once again, it has been sometime since I have written in my journal. Let me explain that this is not always such an easy task to find time to write. Especially, with my being proactive about what I’m trying to accomplish while I am in here. with the main emphasis to leave here better, stronger, smarter and healthier than ever before.
So it is between the FSA classes, College courses, Suicide Companion program, Unicor job, and my running/workout program, and then the lockdowns (unfortunately, more than there ever should be, another story) keeps very busy. In a way, when it comes to my studies I almost feel like I’m back in college. I have now been here at this place for almost 14 months, and in that time I need 4 classes more to get an AA Degree in Business (this will be my second AA Degree), and I am well into getting a secondary Business Degree from Adams State University. Michael Santos talks so often about working towards new skills, as well as gaining more knowledge through academics. I could not agree more with him! It would be nice if these institutions put more importance and gave more credit for people taking on these education endeavors. I think one of the problems with these prions, especially amongst the individuals whom are here, is that ignorance runs rampant because of the lack of education amongst a lot of these guys. That ignorance can be overcome by learning and educating oneself because it opens up insight and perspective to the world. As Michael Santos puts it, “education can be your pathway to freedom, unlocking doors to a future filled with promise and possibilities.” Not only is that well said, learning and having a goal of getting a degree is something tangible that shows that a person did something worthwhile and valuable while being in here. I can’t think of anything better for somebody to do while they are here than that.
I also should note that y my doing all of the things that I am doing I continue to earn extra time off my sentence. This is so important as well, and I don’t understand why everyone doesn’t do this, I mean I do but again that is anther story. I do think though that this system does not do enough to reward the people that are working towards change in there life for all of the hard work that they put forth. I will continue to try to advocate for change in these areas but that is hard while being in here because the staff of these places do not really encourage it nor do they like people that try to influence change. Never I have I seen so much laziness and negativity amongst staff as I have in the federal system, as I have seen here. It is appalling and sad that these people that work here are so unhappy and so against most of the people incarcerated here. There is nothing positive about the culture amongst employees here, and that I believe is something that starts at the top. This entry though was not about the negative culture here, but getting past these situations by doing positive things without the negative forces that surrounds us. By being focused on the goals that we set forth anything can be accomplished. By being so busy I don’t have time to complain, or to worry about the people around here that try to extend there unhappiness on to us. Life is what we make of it, and my life will have a happy ending! These journal entries are about positive change and creating a positive footprint about working past the difficulties of being here. Well let me say that I am ready to get back to life, to live life on life’s terms, and enjoy the life I have left without ever having to come back to a place like this again!! This can be done and already is being done!!
William Kragthorpe
—–Santos, Michael on 7/24/2024 4:21 AM wrote:
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During the multiple decades I served in prison, I built hope by working to learn new skills. First, I started working to earn academic credentials. Then, I used the lessons I learned to create opportunities that would generate income. They were long-term strategies that helped me to build confidence while living through the darkest times.
I remember my early days in confinement, surrounded by the bleakness of prison walls. In that setting, I could not attend classes, but I could read. By reading books about people who had gone through challenging times, I started to think differently. Instead of dwelling on my problems, I started to think about what I could do to grow stronger. I could become a better reader, I could build a vocabulary, I could learn to write, and I could improve my math skills.
Every book I read brought me another step towards liberating my mind from the constraints of my physical environment.
This journey wasn’t just about academic learning; it was about personal growth and preparation for the future. I realized that with every new concept I mastered, I was not only enhancing my knowledge but also rebuilding my identity. Education became my strategy for success, a way to prove that I could make amends with society for the crimes I committed.
Our course, “Preparing for Success after Prison,” emphasizes the importance of education as a tool for empowerment. We encourage individuals in prison to seize every learning opportunity, whether formal education, vocational training, or self-study. This course offers guidance and resources to help you navigate and maximize your educational journey behind bars.
We invite you to share your educational achievements and aspirations with us.
Send an email to Interns@PrisonProfessorsTalent.com and including “Request a Book” in the subject line.
You can access resources that will aid your educational journey. Our nonprofit organization provides books like “Earning Freedom: Conquering a 45-Year Sentence” and “Success after Prison,” which are not just informative but also inspiring.
To deepen your commitment to education, consider this challenge:
Identify one subject or skill you wish to learn or improve upon this month. It could be anything from mathematics to a foreign language, or a vocational skill like carpentry.
Devote time each day to this pursuit, turning your confinement into a classroom without walls.
Remember, your current situation doesn’t define your intellectual or personal potential. With dedication and the right resources, education can be your pathway to freedom, unlocking doors to a future filled with promise and possibilities.
