On the Other Side of the Fence...

If you have been reading my blog for a while you know that I work as an educator for the Department of Corrections. Recently a student came into my classroom. He is about the same age as my second oldest son. I could tell right away that he had a great deal of untapped potential. There was just something about him. He was serious about getting his High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED) and he spoke to me in a very respectful manner. (Sad to say this is not always the case with my students).

Starting off with some practice tests in preparation for real GED tests, it became clear early on that this student was going to get his HSED with in a very short amount time. I assured him as I do all of my students that if he was willing to work with me, I would work with him to complete every test before his release. This gave us only about 6 weeks to work on it.

Sharing that he had gotten involved with drugs, this student explained that his life pretty much took on a life of its own, which led to his numerous incarcerations. He was sure to state his intentions of "doing things different" this time. When I asked him why he never got his High School Diploma he stated that he didn't care about school when he was in high school. From the sharing he did of his younger years, it was easy to understand how he could get wrapped up in the life he fell into.

His story is a very common one. However, having a student with his ability is not so common for me. Once he began passing tests, missing only one or two questions per test, the momentum was mounting. He completed the final requirements for completion of his HSED this week with the highest score of any student I have encountered in the four year period I have worked at this school.

Encouraged by his abilities and willingness to do whatever it takes, I asked him what college he intended to go to upon his release. To this question he said, "excuse me?" I told him he needs to use his mind to do something with his life. Simply put, I said, "You cannot waste your mind. You are far too smart not to use your intelligence." I then reminded him that not using his intelligence is likely the reason he ended up in prison and added if he really wanted to "do things different" as he had stated earlier, he might want to consider furthering his education.

I gave him some college catalogs along with a skills inventory so he could think about what he would like to do with his life. He took my leading very seriously and though he was taken back by the interest I showed, it was clear he was beginning to believe in the possibilities. He talked about the possibility of welding and perhaps an apprenticeship program.

Knowing his time was short I asked him some questions as to where he was going home to so I could give him information about programs in his area. He stated that he has no home and when he is released he is being dropped off at a shelter in a large city. I had heard of such cases, but have not encountered one personally. Here is this student who has no job, doesn't even have his HSED in his hand yet, wants to go to college and now he is expected to go make a life for himself without a home to go to. This was very disturbing to me.

In probing further I found out that his parents are deceased and all living relatives are in another state. This case bothers me so much. I question how the Department of Corrections can just put him out on the street with little to no support. This makes no sense to me. Aren’t we in the business of rehabilitation before integration of inmates back into society? The student himself stated that he would be better off staying in prison where he has a roof over his head and three meals per day.

The purpose of Corrections is not just to create a place for inmates to do time. Isn't it DOCs job to put the inmate's hand into the hand of the supports necessary to help him to become a contrubuting citizen in our communities?

My heart has been heavy concerning this inmate ever since our conversation. What does he have waiting on the other side of the fence? I woke up in the middle of the night with his face in my mind and I have been praying continually for the Lord to bring supports in the form of people who will help him. In addition I pray for his protection, that doors will open for him and he will find favor.

I would like to ask all of you praying people to take a moment to say a prayer for this individual, but not just for him. Pray for all those like him who will leave the Department of Corrections. Getting out of prison is a very scary transition for anyone to make, let alone having no place to go. The cards are stacked against him before he walks out of the gate. Lord protect him and lead him to your path for him I pray.