During my incarceration in Ad-Seg/ Restrictive Housing, I made a life changing decision to follow God’s teachings. In making this change in my life, God provided me with the opportunity to replace my criminal mindset of sin with the positive attitude to move forward in my life and nurture my personal growth.
In January of 2024, I was enrolled in Corrective Intervention Pre-Release Program – Return to Population, to further my growth. In April of 2024 I made the decision to disassociate myself from the criminal lifestyle that had consumed me. God was continuing to shape and guide me. I began to diligently work on my character development by utilizing the information I learned from Cognitive Life Skills. As a result of this I have developed a complete understanding of the responsibility I have for both my thoughts and actions. Although my past criminal choices will always be a part of me, those choices will not define who I am, nor will I allow them to have an effect on my behavior. When I was honored with a certificate of completion for (CIPP-R.P.), I was able to shake hands with the director and deputy director of R.P.D, chief of state classification, deputy chief of state class. and the assistant warden at graduation.
The Director made a Speech that resonated with me and influenced me to enroll in Serious and Violent Offender Reentry Initiative Pre-Release/Restrictive Housing (S.V.O.R.I). This program taught me the skills to transition myself from Ad-Seg into society. Since my values and God’s desires has aligned, I have no doubt that I could complete that transition into society successfully.
His Holy Spirit has empowered me to stand out and staying focused I’m determined to rebuild my life by acquiring a higher education and business credentials while in general population. This education will assist me in earning my parole and provide me with the skills and mindset to live out in society as a law-abiding citizen while I’m in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). The daily practice will make this mindset permanent.
With the completion of the S.V.O.R.I program and the ability to gain further education, my efforts to move my life in a positive direction are solidified.
However, even with all that I have accomplished up to this point, there are still those within TDCJ, just like in society, that judge based on assumptions rather than taking the time to evaluate a person’s character and behavior on their positive progress while incarcerated. Therefore, after obtaining positive skills and knowledge over the past twelve months, I have displayed them through my behavior and interaction with others. I have earned my freedom out to general population and have received no disciplinary Infractions to warrant my continued placement in this Housing- area/Classification.
Unfortunately, I have been forced into being reclassified into (PSK-P7). Being placed in this classification does not allow me to further my education through the Windham School District. I would like to note that I have enrolled in educational courses within the EDOVO app that’s on the tablet. However, these courses are not recognized by Windham as accredited courses. Because of my placement in (PSK-P7), I am being denied access to courses or programs that are outlined in my Individual Treatment Plan. Because of this, The Parole Board may view it as a choice not to take advantage of educational resources or other types of skill building courses.
Regardless of any obstacles or challenges that I face or am forced to deal with, my commitment to success has not changed. I want to earn my parole, and my daily decisions are a measure of my success, which is continuing to move forward. In no way do I blame any one person. My focus is squarely on finding ways to improve myself and keep progressing forward regardless of circumstances or obstacles that I encounter.
Ultimately, I want my integrity to be seen through my behavior and through the interaction that I have with people on a daily basis.
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