Where are you from?
Originally, I am from San Antonio. However, I have lived in Illinois for a majority of my life.
Why did I decide to apply to NPEP?
Well, to start, I really thought that participating in NPEP could help me to enrich my life in a multitude of ways. I knew that it was going to require a lot of hard work, and I was looking forward to the challenge. Also, I think that, having not had many opportunities available to me during my incarceration, I was really thrilled at the possibility that I could now begin paving the foundation for a life outside of here. Another important reason I applied to NPEP is the fact that I have a teenage child. I want the absolute best for her in life, and I want her to know that anything in life is possible so long as you set your mind to it.
What does being a part of NPEP mean to you?
Having the opportunity to be a part of NPEP means to me that I am something more than I was yesterday. Seeing all the effort being put into NPEP, I am really able to glean that there are individuals in this world who do not think the utmost worst of someone within these walls.
What are you most looking forward to as an NPEP student?
For me, one of the things I am really looking forward to is the growth that I am able to achieve within myself. I really hope to witness this in those that I am learning and growing with, too.
What is something you would like others to know about you as a student?
I can be hard on myself, just ask my first PHIL 361 Midterm!! In any case, and more importantly, I know what I am able to do, and I really just want to make sure that at all opportunities, I am putting the best foot forward.
What is a fact about yourself that others might find surprising?
At 16, I attended Lincoln’s Challenge Academy in Rantoul, IL (2002), and I obtained my GED while there.