Today 22nd of June, I received the May 2023 “Inside Journal” letter. I’m writing in response to the “Wellness Corner ”, write 3 wins I’ve had while in prison. I’ll keep this short & to the point. I’ve been locked up for 5 years & if all goes well I’ll be out by 2025 or 2026. It’s my 1st time being locked up & it’s been a true journey. At first I thought my life was over, but as time passed & I truly sobered up, I absorbed my new environment & saw a real opportunity to learn.
My 1st win was re-introduction to Art. In High School I was really Into drawing & painting. But like it happens to many reality hits & I had to start working to maintain myself & my passion for Art stopped. Years passed, I got locked up & with nothing to do in my cell, I started using the Golf Pencils given to us on the fish kit & started sketching cartoons & writing different Calligraphy. The other inmates would notice me drawing & would ask me to draw them cards to send to their loved ones. In return I would get paid in Commissary Food of my Choice. From there on since the County Jail I haven’t stopped drawing & my Art keeps evolving as time passes here in prison. My 1st win is my reintroduction to Art, thank you prison.
2nd win has been my ability to completely read books. As a youngster I hated reading & would always cheat to complete the book reports. It took me getting locked up, having no access to electronics & TV, to finally get a book & read everything. I now understand how important reading truly is for our mind & sanity. The messages behind every story are there to shape us & help us understand our true selves. My 2nd win in prison is being able to read.
3rd win that I will mention is the ability to stay in contact with my loved ones, 2023 here at A.S.P. has drastically changed for the letter due to the Comparry G.T.L. providing tablets for all the inmates. The tablets have a variety of services & contacting family & friends is much more easier. The tablets also provide movie, music, & news apps to keep you up to date with the world which is truly amazing. That is my 3rd win I will mention.
I truly believe that organizations like Initiate Justice are really there to help inmates like me pass my time better in prison. Little by little more programs are being offered & new laws are helping inmates get a 2nd chance at life. I suggest that prisons should offer Art Programs to help inmates express themselves & to also make a living. Art has helped me do my time & I’m sure Art will help many more Inmates if a class is offered. Thank you Staff of Initiate Justice & to the people who take the time to read, write & distribute the “Inside Journal”
THX For Your Service
From
[Name Redacted]
Letters have been edited to remove names, locations, and any other information that helps keep our incarcerated members safe. Transcriptions appear as close to the written letters as possible, any adjustments are made for the purpose of legibility.