Growing up, I didn’t have the opportunity to educate myself, so earning this degree from Mount Tamalpais College means a lot to me. This achievement is something to be proud of, especially because of the circumstances I have faced.
The college experience has equipped me with a lot of knowledge, leading me to view the world with a different perspective. This educational journey has also helped to facilitate my rehabilitation.
There were so many challenges that I had to overcome to earn this degree. Starting with the language – since English is my second language, I struggled to read and write papers. The key to overcoming those challenges was practice and persistence.
A particularly meaningful interaction was with a teacher who always encouraged me to continue my education. To this day, I can hear her saying, “I know you can accomplish whatever you set your mind to.”
My plan is to prepare myself to appear before the Board of Parole Hearings, with the hope that I will be found suitable for parole. I have experience working as both an auto mechanic and a construction builder, and I’m planning to use those skills along with my degree to become either an engineer or an architect.
