Mass incarceration is, by its nature, dehumanizing. When I became one of the faceless persons in California’s prison system, my sense of personal worth and dignity gradually waned. But upon my transfer to San Quentin, I found Mount Tamalpais College–a sort of counter-culture thriving in the heart of the system. As a student, I was welcomed by the college’s staff and faculty as a member of the community, and treated with respect and courtesy. 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. The tools I’ve gained at MTC are essential as I prepare my parole packet and build my case. The confidence I’ve gained through my time with MTC will help me face this next challenge.

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. Your support allows us to continue to act as “a counter-culture thriving in the heart of the system.”