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Attaining this degree is an accomplishment I didn’t think would ever happen after I left school at age sixteen. It has given me a renewed confidence in my abilities to finish what I started as I venture into this second half of my life.

By far the biggest challenge I overcame was math and relearning all the formulas. If it wasn’t for the study groups, I would not have succeeded.

I have had many wonderful experiences during my time at Mount Tamalpais College. All my teachers far exceeded my expectations, and a few really stood out. In philosophy class, Andrew Wood pushed me to dig deeper within myself and explore writing more than I ever thought I would. 

I love films, and learning to write film reviews for my film class was a dream. And learning about Ancient Egypt from an Egyptologist who has explored actual tombs was simply phenomenal.

Now that I know I have what it takes to do the work, I plan on going for my Bachelor of Arts degree, and possibly progressing further in higher education, if the opportunity presents itself.

This degree means I am no longer defined by my worst mistake. It represents proof to myself and to the world that growth is possible behind walls that were designed to prevent it. Earning an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts has given me vocabulary for my own experience and a framework to understand suffering, resilience, and justice in ways I never could before. It means I can sit with a difficult text, disagree with respect, and write a sentence that says exactly what I intend. More than a credential, this degree is my declaration that education is not a reward for good behavior; it is a human right and a path home.

My college experience has changed me profoundly. Before Mount Tamalpais College, I saw the world in binaries: right or wrong, guilty or innocent, us or them. But studying philosophy, literature, and history cracked me open. 

I learned that a person can be both accountable and capable of change. I learned that my voice matters in a discussion about power, race or ethics; not because I have a degree, but because I have lived experience that theory alone cannot touch. I am more patient now, more curious, and far less certain of any of my own conclusions. That uncertainty is not weakness; it is the beginning of wisdom.

The challenges were constant and layered. Lockdowns that cancelled classes for weeks. The noise and unpredictability of the building’s life inside. Limited library access and the slow crawl of the interlibrary loans. The shame that whispered, I don’t deserve this. I overcame it by showing up anyway. I formed study groups with men who became brothers. I wrote papers in stairwells, searching for quiet. 

When technology failed, we shared textbooks and read out loud to each other. 

The faculty never treated us as less than other students; that dignity became a mirror where I finally saw my own worth.

Next, I look forward to integration; bringing my humanities mind and my coding skills into one life. The Last Mile program has shown me that technology can build rather than break. Now, with my AA behind me, I want to study computer science further, specifically human-centered design and ethical tech. I want to build tools that help returning citizens find housing, employment, and community. But I also want to keep reading poetry and history. I want to stay soft and sharp at the same time. As I move closer to release, I plan to enroll in a bachelor’s program, continue coding, and someday teach inside another prison. The degree is finished. My education is just beginning.

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.

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.

For me, this achievement means that I have changed my story and narrative and accomplished a planned goal. It also means I have put my best foot forward on a path toward a brighter future and proven to myself that I can learn, grow and achieve what I set out to do.

My college experience has changed me and made me a more socially conscious person. I’m aware of and respectful of others’ differences, and I’m a more thoughtful and respectful individual as well.

One of the biggest challenges I’ve had to overcome to earn this degree, hands down, was the entire COVID-19 experience—the loss of so many friends and family during that time, while being totally locked down and not being able to get to class. I was able to forge through with the support from the College and their staff, who kept me busy during the lockdown with correspondence materials.

One particularly meaningful experience I had was in Philosophy 271 with Dr. Fisher and her students from the University of San Francisco. We were learning about the social contract, and one of the USF students who was sitting at a table near mine looked over and said, “Big Mike, you are one of the smartest people I know,” after hearing my response to the professor’s question. This experience changed how I view myself and showed me how some others perceive me.

I’m looking forward to continuing my education, taking it to the next level, and getting my next degree.

This achievement means that if it’s possible for me, it’s possible for my grandchildren. 

College has helped me understand that being in prison isn’t the end, but the beginning of a new and different way to view life.

I think my biggest challenge was accepting that my education had to come first, even while I was in prison. What helped me overcome that challenge and earn my degree was believing in the college community, especially the staff.

I talked to an MTC staff member and explained that the life I was living sucked, and that I didn’t have any professional experience. He told me I was wrong. He also told me I was a published author. To some that might seem small, but to me, it was a moment that I will never forget.

I plan on getting out of prison, and always encouraging the younger people I know at San Quentin to enroll at Mount Tamalpais College.

Earning this AA degree means more to me than completing classes—it represents a real turning point in my life. There were moments when giving up felt easier, but I chose to stay committed and push through. This journey taught me patience, discipline and how to believe in myself even when things felt uncertain. It also showed me the value of growth and the importance of making better choices moving forward.

I carry this achievement with pride, not just for what I’ve done, but for who I’m becoming. 

I’m grateful for the support that helped me get here, and I’m determined to use what I’ve learned to build a better future. This degree is a proof that change is possible — and that I’m ready for what comes next.