This achievement goes far beyond words that I can put on paper. I’m filled with emotions and gratitude for all that MTC has provided for me. The impact of earning my degree has afforded me the ability to go back in time, to a time and space where innocence lived and life presented a plethora of choices. “Hope” is what this degree has ushered in, “Redemption” is what this degree is signaling, and it plays a major role in navigating my actions toward others by the tension on my mind created by this newfound “Awareness.” It pronounces responsibilities and establishes worth by renewing my obligations to be a better person for myself, family, community, and society.
My college experience has greatly impacted my attitude, how I view others, and the confidence I have in myself. This change is observable—my family can hear it in my voice, the community can see it in my actions, and I feel better as a person.
The biggest challenge I had to overcome was the trauma I experienced in school growing up. I had to overcome the negative feeling of not being smart enough and feeling judged by others for the way I spoke. I was able to overcome those challenges by understanding that God’s grace is sufficient, and God became my rock. I started reading, writing, and attending as many study group sessions as I could in the Education building. I prepared for each class as if it was the NBA Finals. I raised my game through practice to match the energy of my instructors who, through rain and lockdowns, gave our classes everything they had to offer.
My Biology with Lab course was the most meaningful experience I had in the classroom—it has impacted my life in such a positive way that I find myself daydreaming of one day finding a cure for Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). This learning experience was different because it was personal—in my family, AD has claimed my mother’s life and I currently have several siblings that are experiencing this dreadful disease. Learning about the recent advances in Epigenetics (the study of molecules and mechanism), and the role that DNA Methylation plays in neurological diseases such as AD, has been the highlight of my scholastic journey. I shall be forever grateful to the MTC Science Department for this opportunity.
What I look forward to most is paying it forward. San Quentin is unique, and I know I’ll be a part of the MTC family while here at San Quentin and once I’m paroled. As a Teacher Assistance for English 204 and Biology, I look forward to sharing what I have learned with others, while serving as an advocate for our population, powered by the high degree of learning that I have earned from MTC.
