When I began my San Quentin Prison journey in 1988, I did not enjoy reading and writing, especially in an academic context.
During the 25 years I spent on Death Row at San Quentin, my interest in reading and writing increased tremendously, beginning with my enrollment in Patten College in Fall 1996.
I earned my associate’s degree in December 2002, but unfortunately, Death Row prisoners were not allowed to participate in any graduation ceremonies, and shortly after, the warden at the time decided that those on Death Row would no longer be allowed to participate in the College Program.
In August 2022, my death sentence was reduced to 25 years to life. Upon returning to San Quentin’s general population, I immediately re-enrolled at Mount Tamalpais College. Since I already had completed my degree, I mostly audited classes, but my goal was to stay academically focused. The apex of my involvement with MTC has been the lessons I have learned in Computer Lab since Fall 2023. Prior to this, I was completely computer illiterate. I feel great about the changes I have made. My literary and academic horizon has broadened. My true journey is just beginning.
I want to thank all the Patten College and MTC instructors and assistants, especially Professors Naomi Janowitz, Theodore Hamm (1996-2002), Program Director Sean McPhettridge (1998), Heather Jane McCarthy, and Ms. Aida de Arteaga; President Jody Lewen; Amy Jamgochian, Jacob Kernodle, Douglas Pentland and all the other MTC staff, faculty, and fellow students for sharing your knowledge with me. This academic journey has been a blessing for me.
