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 | Wayne Holland (28/M) | |
| Eugene Groves (56/M) | |
| Robert Williams (40/M) | |
| Stevie-Ray V. Puente (25/M) | |
| William Peeples (46/M) | |
| Ryan Prater (30/M) | |
| Bobbie Hickman (35/F) | |
| Preston Netz (23/M) | |
| Omar Rowe (29/M) | |
| Lisa Alvarado (34/F) |
| Matthew S Taylor (36/M) | |
| Maria Ann Maes (33/F) | |
| Lizzette Peralta Romero (26/F) | |
| Taiwan Griffin (34/M) | |
| Daniel Horner (36/M) | |
| Courtney Canterbury (28/M) | |
| Jimmy Lamb (43/M) | |
| Joel Delzell (32/M) | |
| Justin Haase (25/M) | |
| Jordan Severs (23/M) |
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The first thing you should know about me is that I am an eternal optimist. That is how I am so sure you are there, somewhere. And that you enjoy honesty for its own sake, like I do. That is why, when I came to prison five years ago at the age of twenty with more years to do than I 'd been alive, I saw it as an opportunity. Alone and on the streets from an early age, I'd let my survival skills flourish into a lifestyle. My world seemed a counterproductive highway without off ramps and only two speeds; fast and faster. Eventually, I hit the dead-end they speak of in the books I hadn't yet read. I accidentally shot someone in the shoulder during a robbery. I acknowledge my guilt, grateful that no one was killed or more seriously injured. In a sense I couldn't immediately appreciate, I was glad the hamster wheel had finally screeched to a halt. A judge gave me 22 years 9 months. Prison likely saved my life. More importantly, perhaps someone else's. Either way I refuse to let prison define me. Instead, I let it give me what I need. The time to reawaken my mind and myself. Where I come from, not many get such a chance. I can't help but feel a bit sorry for them. This enviornment truly is what one makes of it. While I am here, I am determined to learn everything I can: about different ways of thinking; different languages (I'm starting with Spanish) about physical fitness; about my own french and native heritages, along with other cultures. Hopefully, you will let me learn about you. I wonder if you, too, are on a postive path in your life. Do you feel like you are getting ready for a somebody that might not even know that you are there? What makes you laugh out loud, even when no one else thinks its funny? Are you someone I could share ideas and dreams with? They are all I will ever ask of you. Prison has taught me that the most precious things have no pricetag. Although I don't really know to whom, each day I give thanks for my sisters, for my second chance at life with an intact body and mind, for the wisdom to not take anything for granted ever again. I hope soon I can be thankful for you too. |
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