Being in prison can leave you feeling hopeless, demoralised and, at times, lacking in self-belief. I know this from first-hand experience as I have been on an emotional rollercoaster, searching for something positive to give me hope, focus and a true sense of purpose. Education has helped me in so many aspects of my life and I have been on a learning journey since the day I decided to re-engage with education. The word ‘journey’ is key because it allowed me to create a real change in my life. That change did not happen overnight, it came about by me setting goals and putting 100% effort into studying. I set myself goals which subsequently led me to completing a number of educational qualifications.
Completing this work gave me a sense of pride, purpose and self-confidence. I completed Arts and Languages with a Distinction, which is something I am really proud of. This gave me the motivation to pursue a degree in Business Management (Economics). I am now in my third year of studying and the assistance and funding I initially received was instrumental in reigniting the flame I had inside of me to study and achieve. At first I was apprehensive about studying at university level, especially from the confines of a prison cell, however it soon became apparent that having something positive to focus on was the best escape mentally and physically given my circumstances.
Studying has not only given me a sense of purpose but has also given me important skills which are transferable, such as perseverance and problem-solving which I can use in everyday life as well as on my education journey. I was given the opportunity to learn and achieve and I grabbed it with both hands. Education is about much more than reading and writing. It is about growing as a person and using the knowledge we have attained in order to better our own lives and the lives of our peers. It is more important than just an ending; it is about the journey… our failures as well as our successes.
It is my long-term goal to become self-employed post-release and now I feel that I have the tools and skills to achieve this goal, regardless of my past. Education has given me a second chance and I hope it will do the same for my peers. The journey I have been on has made me believe … I believe I have a purpose … I believe I have been given a second chance … I believe education is the key and although I am incarcerated, education has unlocked my mind.
Being in prison can leave you feeling hopeless, demoralised and, at times, lacking in self-belief. I know this from first-hand experience as I have been on an emotional rollercoaster, searching for something positive to give me hope, focus and a true sense of purpose. Education has helped me in so many aspects of my life and I have been on a learning journey since the day I decided to re-engage with education. The word ‘journey’ is key because it allowed me to create a real change in my life. That change did not happen overnight, it came about by me setting goals and putting 100% effort into studying. I set myself goals which subsequently led me to completing a number of educational qualifications.
Completing this work gave me a sense of pride, purpose and self-confidence. I completed Arts and Languages with a Distinction, which is something I am really proud of. This gave me the motivation to pursue a degree in Business Management (Economics). I am now in my third year of studying and the assistance and funding I initially received was instrumental in reigniting the flame I had inside of me to study and achieve. At first I was apprehensive about studying at university level, especially from the confines of a prison cell, however it soon became apparent that having something positive to focus on was the best escape mentally and physically given my circumstances.
Studying has not only given me a sense of purpose but has also given me important skills which are transferable, such as perseverance and problem-solving which I can use in everyday life as well as on my education journey. I was given the opportunity to learn and achieve and I grabbed it with both hands. Education is about much more than reading and writing. It is about growing as a person and using the knowledge we have attained in order to better our own lives and the lives of our peers. It is more important than just an ending; it is about the journey… our failures as well as our successes.
It is my long-term goal to become self-employed post-release and now I feel that I have the tools and skills to achieve this goal, regardless of my past. Education has given me a second chance and I hope it will do the same for my peers. The journey I have been on has made me believe … I believe I have a purpose … I believe I have been given a second chance … I believe education is the key and although I am incarcerated, education has unlocked my mind.
From Inside Time.
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When I paint, I'm not in prison anymore. I'm lost for hours in my artwork.
I’d think there are a lot of inmates looking for someone to talk to, for some people it might help with the healing process.
Since having my first ever grandson nearly 3 years ago now, it’s made me realise that I not only want to change, but I need to do it not only for myself but for my family.
My name is Jean. I am a wiry spitfire, 65 years young, and incarcerated for the past 24 years with a L.W.O.P. (Life Without Parole) sentence.
Help us get About Time off the ground. All donations are tax deductible and will be vital in providing an essential resource for people in prison and their loved ones.
Help us get About Time off the ground. All donations are tax deductible and will be vital in providing an essential resource for people in prison and their loved ones.
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