September 27, 2000
I received a letter from Mrs. Marrazzo last night. She is a family friend of mine who helped me graduate high school. She is a teacher at an adult education school where they also place students trying to graduate high school in time in classes at night. Her criminal justice class had some questions for me. They of course want to know what prison is like, not the TV or movie versions.
They want to know about the gangs, education, the weight room, and how a typical day in prison goes. Sadly many of these kids will go to prison, the school Mrs. Marrazzo teaches at is in the hood and is also a sort of last chance for many kids. I answered the questions all to the best of my ability. I almost did not want to tell the truth. The reason being is that it is generally so easy going here that my words would have no deterring factor at all.
But in the end I was honest because it seems ridiculous to lie to people asking for the straight dope. Especially teens. 
Obviously, the worst part of prison is the loss of freedom of movement. But until I experienced it I never really understood all the words I’d heard on the subject. Sometimes I feel hopeless facing so long of a stretch in this life, but where would that get me. I will not be here forever. At times it is really hard to get motivated to improve knowing I’ll be here for at least another 8 years. All I can do is plug away.
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