02.28.2025

One month in: Lessons, Growth and a New Perspective

It’s been a month now, and honestly, time has flown by. I’ve learned a lot, met new people, and even lost 5 pounds.

The day I turned myself in was a shock, seeing my new enviroment for the first time was surreal. My good friends Alfonso and Tina dropped me off, and I had no idea what to expect. The check-in process was different from what I had imagined, taking about 2 to 3 hours. And just like that, I found myself walking from the medium security prison to what will be my new home for the next 33 months, the camp.

I was assigned to bunk 15 upper, and right away, people at the camp welcomed me with kindness. They showed me around, explained the rules, and made sure I knew how things worked. My bunkmate, Carlos, has been a huge help. He Shared his experiences, gave me advice on how to handle things here, and even lent me some clothes, extra shoes, and hygiene products. That small act of kindness meant a lot.

Once I settled in, I knew I needed to find ways to stay busy and focused. I checked out the library and found “Earning Freedom” by Michael Santos, a 500 page book that I finished in just a couple of nights. That book gave me a real sense of direction; it helped me start mapping out a plan for my future.

Five days later after arriving, I was offered a job at the warehouse. From what I’ve heard, getting a job isn’t easy, and landing one at the warehouse is even tougher. So I feel incredibly grateful to my new friend “Wency” for giving me this opportunity. Having a job keeps me busy, makes time go by faster, and gives me a sense of purpose while I’m here.

The first month has been a deep period of self reflection. I’ve had the time to really think about my actions and their consequences. More than ever, I understand how my decisions have affected not just me, but my family, my friends, and others who were impacted. That realization weighs heavily on me every day. I know I let people down, and that’s not something I take lightly. But I also know that I have the power to make things right to prove that I’ve learned, that I take responsability, and that I am ready to move foreward in a better way.

I’ve been working on a plan for my future, and while I know it won’t be easy, I am commited to doing what is right. I miss my family more than I can put into words. Every email I get from friends and family lifts my spirits and reminds me why I need to keep pushing forward.

March starts tomorrow, and I am ready to see what this next month brings.