As early as the age of 9 or 10 years old, my stepfather began physically abusing me. He would regularly tie me up and beat me; on one occasion, he burned me with an iron. I would run away often to escape the beatings. I spent those cold and sometimes rainy nights sleeping in broken-down cars, empty laundry rooms at different apartment complexes, and on several occasions at neighborhood parks.
I was eventually taken away from my mother and stepfather at the age of 13 years old and placed in a co-ed shelter (L.A.Y.N. in Hollywood)—for kids just like me, followed by a multitude of group homes and lockdown facilities. While at these homes and facilities, I experienced the same treatment I endured at home with my stepfather. Due to my childhood, my mother and I never had a mother-and-son relationship. Those beatings that I endured as a child and throughout my teenage years had lingering effects and symptoms of childhood trauma throughout my adulthood. During my current incarceration, I’ve discovered ways to heal from the past, stay sober, and to see myself and others in a new light.
Since my incarceration, I’ve spent a lot of time working on myself. I’ve self-published an eBook (SafeStreetArts.info), my essays and poetry have headlined the websites of Minutesbeforesix.com and John Hopkins University. I’ve earned 25 certificates and I’ve earned a university certificate in Leadership & Management from Southern Utah University, Dixie L. Leavitt School of Business. Earning a university certificate is one of my greatest academic accomplishments. Given my background, I am very proud of what I achieved. I wasn’t a good student as a child; it was very difficult to focus on anything besides my problems at home.
As of lately, I’ve had a strong desire to learn something new, that I’m interested in and that’s different, despite the setbacks and my current circumstances. I haven’t given up on my education. My education is finally something positive. It has given my life meaning, hope for the future, and I am a passionate, disciplined student.
After close to a decade in prison and not breaking—grit is embedded in every fiber of my being. It’s who I have been since a child: A survivor. I adapted to my environment. I’ve endured because “the fire inside me burns brighter than all the fires around me.” We all have the inner strength to survive and adapt to our surroundings. We are predispositioned to survive. I never give up on or quit anything positive in my life. Whether it’s a goal I’m trying to achieve, friends, or relationships.
Three and a half years from today, I’ll regain my liberty. My plans are to reintegrate into society by self-paroling to Reno, Nevada, a city that I’ve never been to, a city that I don’t know anything about, where I don’t know anyone.
MY FRESH START AT LIFE!
My short-term goals are to further my education (my biggest fear is being released from prison after being warehoused, not having marketable skills), to write and complete 2 to 3 books annually, and save money on my inmate account to use upon my release for clothing, shoes, housing, I.D. card, cellphone, laptop, hygiene, transportation, etc.
My long-term goals are to become a Realtor upon release, followed by a serial entrepreneur—to establish my own publishing company and an in-house advertising agency, real estate investment firm, and owner of an online e-commerce website.
Since my incarceration, I’ve turned over a new leaf. I have experienced a lot of personal growth and I have completely given up my criminal mentality. I now realize my faults and everything I need to do to mature as a man.
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