Being in prison is a scary thought, and you are also uncertain about what will be expected. Overcoming your fears and learning from your mistakes is essential. Your mindset will shift either way; either you adapt to this, or you will end up fighting the system and becoming your own worst enemy.
Prison: what It takes from you
Being incarcerated takes some of your human rights away. The system breaks you down completely and then restructures you back to what is expected of you to become a member of society again. That is only if you allow room for the change. Your mindset, thinking, and attitude will determine the outcome of your future back into society.
The prison system: what does it mean
There are requirements from the Department of Corrections regarding which specific programmes you need to complete. This is important for your release and approval from the parole board. Social workers will assist you in your growth plan. Your case management office will gather all your necessary documentation.
The Line Lies in Allowing Change or Staying Complacent
Many inmates allow the change, while others become complacent and stubborn. Gangsterism and foolishness are the main reasons why offenders end up recommitting crimes and ending up back inside prison. Those offenders throw away any chance of changing their ways for a better life.
Prison will not force you to adopt change; the system knows very well that you are an adult, so the choice at the end of the day is entirely up to you.
What prison took from me
Prison took from me time in my life, time that I will never be able to get back. It left me feeling like a failure and almost entirely hopeless. Judgement came from people who looked up to me and respected me. Being labelled as an ex-offender, still to this very day, has been the most difficult challenge I face.
When I sit and reflect, I remind myself that I allowed change to take place and went through all mentioned to become who I am today.
So even if the stigma and the prison system took from me my label as a man, father, and community member, all was not lost. I decided to permit the change, and it has helped me overcome these challenges I face daily. Sadly, for others, it was a different case, and surely for them, it was a case of what prison took from them.
DISCLAIMER: Submission published as received
This project in collaboration with RESTORE currently works with formerly incarcerated young men in the communities.
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