Ok. Since coming to prison, I have attended the wellness program offered to inmates for personal fitness. Once completed, I was awarded a certificate and then asked to join alumni and teach the next class, which is ran by inmates with the direction of a correction officer. I taught and assisted in two classes after my graduation (classes last 12 weeks each). The wellness program is the only program offered to inmates at the Gulf Correctional Institute.
In August of 2010 I was transferred from Gulf C.I. to my current location, Wakulla Correctional Institute (W.C.I.). This prison offers a handful of courses. Most courses have a waiting list of six months or more, depending on the desired class.
The first class I was able to enroll in was Credit & Debt Management. Most inmates come into the prison system and leave bills in the outside world unattended. Myself included. This class takes you step-by-step through repairing damaged credit. I was able to order my credit report and begin to fix areas that needed help. I graduated this class and then moved on to a business class titled Developing a Business Concept.
Many times it's a struggle for newly released inmates to find work. Developing a Business Concept provided a step-by-step course in showcasing how to take a trade you enjoy and create a business. Then, how to setup and manage this business. We were asked to decide on a business, then during class we setup this business by applying for insurance, business licenses, certificates, permits, etc. We also had to choose our target market, and create an advertising plan to reach that market; choosing forms of advertising such as a local paper or fliers. I enjoyed this class. The business that I created during class was a commercial real estate office, serving the central Florida area. I passed this class and I have a certificate of completion.
During this time, I also took a yoga class and a bible/devotional fellowship course. I am currently on a waiting list for Creative Writing and Money Marketing.
I find it exciting to learn new things. I play sports and lift weights, but it's encouraging to know that I'm learning things I can use in the free world. My goal is to better myself while I am behind bars. That's a struggle, at times, since many of the prisons do not offer classes. Or, they did at one time, but due to budget cuts classes and extra-curricular activities have been cut. Many of the Florida prisons use to offer classes. However, currently only a handful now offer any self-help programs. Many of which are also being removed as the Florida prison system struggles with housing issues.
I am currently eligible for a transfer to the prison of my choice. I am basing my choice on prisons that offer classes I have not yet completed. However, those prisons have a long waiting list for that reason. Presently, it is nearly a two year wait to be transferred to the camp that I choose.
I will continue to better myself, even though it seems frustrating at times. It would be much easier to just lay down, shut up and fade into the brick walls.....something I can not do!
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1 comment:
Continuing to better oneself is something I think we all ought to strive for, regardless of our current circumstances and/or location. I know this can be "frustrating" on the outside, I can only imagine the frustrations and obstacles one might encounter as one attempts to do so on the inside. I applaud you for staying the course, in spite of the frustrations and difficulties.
Good job on your business class. Your assignments sound most familiar as one of my sons did much the same in his business class. He enjoyed the process very much, as well. I hope your Creative Writing and Money marketing classes prove to be just as enjoyable.
Budget cuts suck ... really hard. Entire programs are being eradicated from our local High School. I also hear stories of friends not being able to get into the College classes needed to graduate as they are being cut. I never really thought about it before reading this post, but it stands to reason the prisons are not immune to this most unfortunate and yes, frustrating, predicament. It's really a shame, just all the way around.
I agree, learning new things IS exciting. I think it's important to keep that thirst for knowledge of new things alive and well ... always learning, always growing. I hope you're able to benefit from many more classes in your quest to better yourself.
So what's the current status of your softball, what with the bat's chain having been broken? Here's hoping that silly chain did not become a victim of the budget cuts as I know how much you enjoy/enjoyed your softball. :)
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