Mass incarceration is, by its nature, dehumanizing. But upon my transfer to San Quentin, I found Mount Tamalpais Collegeβa sort of counter-culture thriving in the heart of the system. This was a bit surreal, in contrast to my previous prison experiences, but I gradually adjusted to it. I felt re-humanized. Later, I became a Program Clerk for the college. The staff told me that I was an integral and vital member of their team, and treated me accordingly.
I watched how they conducted their business, responding to the daunting problems of operating a college in a prison. I saw their calm, collaborative, patient, and insightful approach, and I strove to emulate that. In this clerk role, I am training for life after prison. In May, I will appear before a parole board after more than eleven years in prison.
In preparation, I am building a parole packet, a voluminous written argument for my return to society. At my hearing, I will face an hours-long interrogation before a committee that will decide if I am suitable to return to society.
I am always mindful of the generous supporters of this program. I have been given hope, a purpose, and the belief that I can create a better future for myself. You have quietly made all of this change and growth possible for me. Thank you for being a part of this journey. Mount Tamalpais College is committed to providing a rigorous education to residents of San Quentin, enriching lives and expanding opportunity. I was sent to juvenile hall at 10 years old, and never once did I think about losing my voting rights or any other rights β besides my freedom.
While most kids were exploring the world, I was either being bounced around from one dysfunctional foster home to another or behind bars, having my formative years masked under the umbrella of shame and oppression the legal system imposes on children.
