Mindfulness resolution project
By Professor Cristina Zaccarini and Mr. Nahshon Jackson Network Support Services
Mindfulness resolution projectJan 03, 2021
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04:52:53
Mindfulness Resolution Project
Adelphi students interview Network Support Services alumni Fall 2020.
The Mindfulness Resolution Project (MRP) is a partnership between Adelphi University https://www.adelphi.edu/about/ and Network Support Services, https://www.networkssi.org/ a reentry organization offering extensive support to those incarcerated and those reentering society. MRP takes mindfulness principles and puts them into action, working for social betterment. Students who participate in MRP and study mindfulness learn from those who have gained wisdom from education, the application of mindfulness principles while having been incarcerated; however, not all interviewees have been incarcerated. MRP interviewees are also supporters of those reentering, such as employers, and landlords or others who aim to improve the inequities that lead to incarceration or enhance communication among those in the criminal justice system. Many interviewed here who have been incarcerated are working vigorously to uplift society and reduce recidivism, and this attests to the high level of intelligence, creativity and talent among those whose paths inadvertently led to incarceration. Additionally, these interviews reveal the difficulties that encountered that led to incarceration, as well as the continued housing and employment challenges that those reentering society face. Through this engagement with MRP participants, Adelphi students are provided with an understanding of the world that lies outside of textbook learning and the ways that they can make a difference.
May 26, 202104:52:53
Mr. Stephen's path to a life of service, bio by Alberto, interview by Alberto and Olivia
One usually does not see prison as something positive; however, Mr. Stephen describes incarceration as "a path" to success, realizing early on that if he "stayed the course," he would be "reaping the benefit of that investment." The child of a single mother, he had love, good grades, and the freedom to make his own choices; however, he also questioned authority and sought the deeper meaning of life. Mr. Stephen "became disinterested in school….[he developed] an intrinsic conscientious objection to what was being taught to [him]."
Just two months after his 17th birthday, Mr. Stephen was sentenced to prison for almost 30 years, but mindfulness developed his self-awareness, and best of all, he was able to Influence others while in prison and later on in his career. In prison, he studied history and culture with mindful curiosity. His mindful studies helped him to realize that "...the more you know, the more you learn how much you don't know." With mindfulness, Mr. Stephen changed his mentality and became more aware and present of his situation and find value in all of it, including the pain, noting that "everything is a contribution and everything should be taken on as something of value." Indeed, he explains that every situation is "... going to be something, but if you know that it's going to be valuable, that's the motivation, there's no expectation, but that's the motivation that this is going to be valuable, so I'm going to dive in here. And whatever shows up, I'm sure it's going to be great."
Mr. Stephen had many educational and labor opportunities in incarceration and full advantage of these due to his newfound self-awareness and his mentality, and these carried him to his success in prison. He was also introduced to Network Support Services which helped him become a leader of many groups. Mr. Stephen is an influencer who is looked up to. Influencers are the people who watch over the rest and hope to influence others positively. I experienced Mr. Stephen's influence first hand during our interview, as he gave me words of wisdom and guidance. He told me, "You be the cause in the matter of your life." When he said this to me, I felt moved and inspired. Through this gesture, Mr. Stephen showed some of his characteristics. He demonstrated that he was caring and, most of all, that he is a leader, as he is always thinking to himself, "how am I going to make a contribution in the world today?" His goal is still to be "a calm, steady contribution to the people around him." He shows that he is always looking to influence others, regardless of who they are. Overall, Mr. Stephen is an ambitious man who made prison a useful experience for himself. He knew that prison was an investment for him, and he took advantage of that by taking part in several programs and educational opportunities. While in prison, "[he] was a short-order cook, a salad maker, a suit maker, and a line cook." These are just a few of the skills Mr. Stephen obtained while incarcerated, but after prison, Mr. Stephen began a career as a social worker, and is part of a team that "essentially provides advocacy and referral services, and follows up with reintegration coaching [for] directly impacted folks who are returning from folks who are returning back into their Brooklyn communities." His mother partially influenced his career as a public service person, but mindfulness helped him develop an interest in other people. His story is truly an inspiring one, as are his future goals, which are to "emancipate [himself] from slavery" and "to raise some children… do some traveling… and just love all my family." He is a man who values his "...work ethic, punctuality, self-determination, and passion." After our conversation, it is clear to me that Mr. Stephen "stayed his course" and is now "reaping the benefits."
Just two months after his 17th birthday, Mr. Stephen was sentenced to prison for almost 30 years, but mindfulness developed his self-awareness, and best of all, he was able to Influence others while in prison and later on in his career. In prison, he studied history and culture with mindful curiosity. His mindful studies helped him to realize that "...the more you know, the more you learn how much you don't know." With mindfulness, Mr. Stephen changed his mentality and became more aware and present of his situation and find value in all of it, including the pain, noting that "everything is a contribution and everything should be taken on as something of value." Indeed, he explains that every situation is "... going to be something, but if you know that it's going to be valuable, that's the motivation, there's no expectation, but that's the motivation that this is going to be valuable, so I'm going to dive in here. And whatever shows up, I'm sure it's going to be great."
Mr. Stephen had many educational and labor opportunities in incarceration and full advantage of these due to his newfound self-awareness and his mentality, and these carried him to his success in prison. He was also introduced to Network Support Services which helped him become a leader of many groups. Mr. Stephen is an influencer who is looked up to. Influencers are the people who watch over the rest and hope to influence others positively. I experienced Mr. Stephen's influence first hand during our interview, as he gave me words of wisdom and guidance. He told me, "You be the cause in the matter of your life." When he said this to me, I felt moved and inspired. Through this gesture, Mr. Stephen showed some of his characteristics. He demonstrated that he was caring and, most of all, that he is a leader, as he is always thinking to himself, "how am I going to make a contribution in the world today?" His goal is still to be "a calm, steady contribution to the people around him." He shows that he is always looking to influence others, regardless of who they are. Overall, Mr. Stephen is an ambitious man who made prison a useful experience for himself. He knew that prison was an investment for him, and he took advantage of that by taking part in several programs and educational opportunities. While in prison, "[he] was a short-order cook, a salad maker, a suit maker, and a line cook." These are just a few of the skills Mr. Stephen obtained while incarcerated, but after prison, Mr. Stephen began a career as a social worker, and is part of a team that "essentially provides advocacy and referral services, and follows up with reintegration coaching [for] directly impacted folks who are returning from folks who are returning back into their Brooklyn communities." His mother partially influenced his career as a public service person, but mindfulness helped him develop an interest in other people. His story is truly an inspiring one, as are his future goals, which are to "emancipate [himself] from slavery" and "to raise some children… do some traveling… and just love all my family." He is a man who values his "...work ethic, punctuality, self-determination, and passion." After our conversation, it is clear to me that Mr. Stephen "stayed his course" and is now "reaping the benefits."
Jan 03, 202101:59:57
Interviews with Network Support Services alumni
In Fall 2020, Adelphi students in Prof. Cristina Zaccarini's First-Year Seminar class, and the Adelphi Innovation Center, which develops opportunities for students in applied learning, worked with Network Support Services alumni who were incarcerated, Outreach Coordinator Mr. Nahshon Jackson, Andre Peart, and Hudson Link's "New Beginnings" program. Students interviewed these individuals, who work for the successful reentry of those who are incarcerated, for the Mindfulness Resolution Project, which seeks to build bridges of cooperation based on empathy among those from different walks of life.
While many Network alumni did not have the resources, educational opportunities, or emotional support that they needed early in life, by studying mindfulness and becoming part of the Network Support Services community in prison, they were able to thrive in ways that they never imagined. Adelphi students discovered how those who partake of this Network program go on to find fulfillment in their work and personal lives, often becoming entrepreneurs and social activists. Students found Network alumni inspirational for their empathy, present-mindedness, and gratitude as the alumni moved forward in life eager to uplift others.
To all potential employers or investors wishing to give opportunities to the persons interviewed, Network Support Services, or Hudson Link, please contact me at zaccarin@adelphi.edu and we will facilitate contact.
https://www.networkssi.org/
https://dariendma.org/sean-picahudson-link-for-higher-education-in-prisonwednesday-april-18-2018/
https://www.conconnect.com/login?redirect=%2Fabout
Adelphi Innovation Center:
https://www.adelphi.edu/innovation-center/?gclid=Cj0KCQiA0MD_BRCTARIsADXoopbl4knCC8eQiuA3Wc80zst9-h7n0zvA3pykC9RsG19Ex-DBVJ34JqAaAnjJEALw_wcB
Jan 03, 202104:52:53
Paying attention to what is happening inside of me: Mychal's story, by Alicia
In his teenage years, Mychal remembered, that the streets were
all he had: “I flirted with gang affiliation for a while. A lot of my friends were in a gang” and had “basically solidified some status in the streets.” In his adolescent years, he got expelled in the 11th grade for being in a fight. He wanted to fit in, and would have benefited greatly from being surrounded by people who cared about him; however, it was in prison that he found Network Support Services, and it was this that would bring him a sense of brotherhood and community. Everyone had a collective mindset of togetherness, whether it was attending workshops as a group, or eating with one another. Prior to incarceration, Mychal says, “Academically, I never really paid attention. I was just always
goofing around. I looked at it like it was a fashion show just to be cool.” Previously, school was not seen as a priority or something of interest. Yet, while he was incarcerated, he obtained his GED, and started college two years ago. He began to reflect on the skills he gained during his
time incarcerated, and one that meant a lot to him was his passion for reading. Expressing that it was one of the first things he did that allowed him to expand his mind and further his intellect. Noting that his experience in college so far has been one of value and growth. He has been able
to learn many skills such as critical thinking, qualitative research, communication, and how to establish his own opinion. The Appalachian article we read in class highlights that being offered an education, “allows those people a sense of freedom and unlocks their potential as human
beings.” This stuck out to me due to what Mychal said in terms of the significance of education, and how important it is to be given that sort of training and learning how to communicate. Looking forward to what is next for Mychal, he is extremely ambitious and goal-oriented.
He discusses the impact of mindfulness on his overall well-being by saying, “I'm way more driven, way more focused, because I'm paying attention to what is happening inside me.” Continuing by explaining how this causes him to think about his future more and the things he
would like to achieve. Additionally, Mychal says, “So just like, learning some mindfulness and self-awareness while in prison brought me back into my own flesh and blood like this is what it feels like to be me. These are my brown eyes. These are my ears like this is me right here. So let
me embrace this." Mindfulness offered him the opportunity to reflect and truly understand his importance not only to society but to himself. During incarceration, he was able to be part of programs that gave him the opportunity to explore potential interests such as an entrepreneurship
program called, “Defy Ventures.” Currently, Mychal values independence as a factor in terms of a future career or job. Being in college made him realize he enjoys working alone and creating his own schedule. Past work experiences made him feel like he couldn't really think for himself
and couldn't see things how he wanted. At the present time, he is continuing his educational path in college and transitioning into a bachelor's program at NYU. Eventually, he wants to develop a career as a creative director for non-profit startups, and non-profit organizations along with
where he wants to reside in the future: “I want to go to Manhattan, and rent a nice apartment for just a few years until I get a Master's. Just to have that experience, then I will eventually move out of New York. After speaking with Mychal, I believe his passion for a successful life and his
shared desire for being creative will cause him to strive in any field he wants to pursue.
all he had: “I flirted with gang affiliation for a while. A lot of my friends were in a gang” and had “basically solidified some status in the streets.” In his adolescent years, he got expelled in the 11th grade for being in a fight. He wanted to fit in, and would have benefited greatly from being surrounded by people who cared about him; however, it was in prison that he found Network Support Services, and it was this that would bring him a sense of brotherhood and community. Everyone had a collective mindset of togetherness, whether it was attending workshops as a group, or eating with one another. Prior to incarceration, Mychal says, “Academically, I never really paid attention. I was just always
goofing around. I looked at it like it was a fashion show just to be cool.” Previously, school was not seen as a priority or something of interest. Yet, while he was incarcerated, he obtained his GED, and started college two years ago. He began to reflect on the skills he gained during his
time incarcerated, and one that meant a lot to him was his passion for reading. Expressing that it was one of the first things he did that allowed him to expand his mind and further his intellect. Noting that his experience in college so far has been one of value and growth. He has been able
to learn many skills such as critical thinking, qualitative research, communication, and how to establish his own opinion. The Appalachian article we read in class highlights that being offered an education, “allows those people a sense of freedom and unlocks their potential as human
beings.” This stuck out to me due to what Mychal said in terms of the significance of education, and how important it is to be given that sort of training and learning how to communicate. Looking forward to what is next for Mychal, he is extremely ambitious and goal-oriented.
He discusses the impact of mindfulness on his overall well-being by saying, “I'm way more driven, way more focused, because I'm paying attention to what is happening inside me.” Continuing by explaining how this causes him to think about his future more and the things he
would like to achieve. Additionally, Mychal says, “So just like, learning some mindfulness and self-awareness while in prison brought me back into my own flesh and blood like this is what it feels like to be me. These are my brown eyes. These are my ears like this is me right here. So let
me embrace this." Mindfulness offered him the opportunity to reflect and truly understand his importance not only to society but to himself. During incarceration, he was able to be part of programs that gave him the opportunity to explore potential interests such as an entrepreneurship
program called, “Defy Ventures.” Currently, Mychal values independence as a factor in terms of a future career or job. Being in college made him realize he enjoys working alone and creating his own schedule. Past work experiences made him feel like he couldn't really think for himself
and couldn't see things how he wanted. At the present time, he is continuing his educational path in college and transitioning into a bachelor's program at NYU. Eventually, he wants to develop a career as a creative director for non-profit startups, and non-profit organizations along with
where he wants to reside in the future: “I want to go to Manhattan, and rent a nice apartment for just a few years until I get a Master's. Just to have that experience, then I will eventually move out of New York. After speaking with Mychal, I believe his passion for a successful life and his
shared desire for being creative will cause him to strive in any field he wants to pursue.
Jan 03, 202127:46
A mindful solution: Employment means safer streets and a more equitable society by Kim and Matt
Recidivism costs taxpayers massive sums of money. It costs $60k to keep a person in prison for a year. When a person leaves prison, they have a 70% chance of returning. With assistance, this rate goes down to single digits. Conconnect can help save taxpayer dollars by keeping men out of prison. Andre Peart, the founder of ConConnect, recognizes the recidivism problem. With his app, ConConnect, formerly incarcerated people will have access to more job and educational opportunities; thus, giving them stability while enhancing their education. He explains it by saying that "they are resolving back to their old lives, a life of not being able to find schools. For you to go to school, you need money, which can only be earned with a job." (Andre Peart).
Mr. Peart is a graduate of Defy Ventures and a prime example of how education can benefit talented individuals who did not previously have access to it. Defy Ventures is a non-profit organization that focuses on addressing many of the problems with mass incarceration, including recidivism. Mr. Peart aims to address these issues by helping these individuals, just like how Defy helped him. He says that "formerly incarcerated people are going back to jail at a higher than 50% rate within the first three years. Data and tremendous research show that recidivism occurs because they are not being provided enough to satisfy their needs, which includes mental health, drug agencies, employment." (Andre Peart). Mr. Peart knows what these individuals need, and he is ready to give them access to it through ConConnect.
As for employment, Mr. Peart aims to dismantle the stigma that surrounds hiring formerly incarcerated people. One of his primary tools for doing this is getting people to recognize "active involvement," and explained it by saying, "I believe to be associated with something is to be actively involved. If I am associated with a gang, then I have an active involvement in that gang. So to be associated with prison is to have active involvement. However, these men and women I deal with are no longer in prison. They were associated, so the keyword would be that they were associated with these entities'' (Andre Peart). The group that Mr. Peart is working with no longer has an active involvement with the entities that caused them to go to prison.
Knowing a person's offense is essential information when hiring. The fact that it may be a non-violent offense is often overlooked. Mr. Peart explains this with a hypothetical, saying, "you do not know this person's background, what if they just sold drugs, without ever using any. How can a person's past of selling drugs affect them working in a warehouse at your company?" (Andre Peart). He adds to this by saying, "I would understand why a bank does not hire a person with a robbery on their record, that sort of makes sense. However, why do you not hire somebody who probably had an assault charge and had some anger issues and yea, that man probably assaulted somebody. There are programs for rehabilitation that these individuals have taken and graduated from. People need to trust that they have changed. You know, why not get them employed at Chase Bank or Bank of America as a teller or an accountant or an even higher position where they can flourish?'' (Andre Peart). Mr. Peart does not only hope to help individuals find jobs.
ConConnect works with a multitude of services to help formerly incarcerated individuals in all sorts of ways. They show this by "making [their] onboarding process as vigorous as possible" and asking a questionnaire that "will vet out what the people's needs are" (Andre Peart). Mr. Peart states that "We are not an agency that just gears at, 'Hey, get on ConConnect if you want a job.' It is really, 'Get on ConConnect, stay on ConConnect, and keep advancing your work-life" (Andre Peart).
Jan 03, 202117:11
A mindful solution: Safe housing and a safer society by Bonnie and Annamarie
New Beginnings is an organization that provides housing for formerly incarcerated individuals. We were fortunate enough to interview Damian Rossney, a representative of New Beginnings, about his work and this program. Mr. Rossney expresses his passion for his job, and says he feels his life has a purpose: “The difference between essentially going to work to help somebody else get richer and going to work to help somebody else transition back to society makes you realize that this is the best person that you could be” (Rossney 1). Together, we discussed in-depth the development and values of New Beginnings.
New Beginnings grew out of Hudson Link, an organization that provides higher education and life skills to individuals that are or have been incarcerated. Hudson Link saves New York taxpayers about $21 million a year, whereas it takes $60,000 to keep a single person incarcerated. Educating incarcerated individuals results in a smoother transition back to society, lowering the “rates of recidivism, incarceration, and poverty” in society (Hudson Link, http://www.hudsonlink.org/). Hudson Link believed that their assistance in helping these individuals return to society should not only stop at education: “you could look at it on a human level that like, you know, we started our relationship as an educational relationship, but we're past that now and you know I'm invested in your future I'm invested in you as a human being and a person I want to see you be the best you can be” (Rossney 1). To pursue this belief, New Beginnings was created, providing housing for incarcerated individuals, aiding them in a smoother transition back to society.
New Beginnings began with the transformation of a dilapidated house into a safe haven for five formerly incarcerated men with the help of network alumni, donations, faith communities, and family foundations: “We created at this point, a single-family home has five beds, we can take five people out of the homeless system, and give them shelter, give them a safe place” (Rossney 1). It does not stop there. New Beginnings is already in the process of providing housing for formerly incarcerated women as well. This house will provide housing for up to nine women: It's a two-family house, which allows us to house, we hope, up to nine women there when it's completed and we're just in the process of doing those renovations now, we're just starting the renovation so you know that's a future expansion that's already on the books” (Rossney 1). In honor of Hudson Link’s first employee, Eileen Mohammed, the organization has decided to name the women’s house after her; “She left a huge mark, you know, on the Hudson link community and so many other people, even outside of Hudson link so our donors want to name the house, Mo's house, so Mo's house will be our first house for women” (Rossney 1). Hudson link’s creation of New Beginnings has and will continue to shift the lives of many individuals, and will keep expanding their resources to meet the needs of those formerly incarcerated.
The New Beginnings house has been running smoothly for more than a year. Mr. Rossney explains that most of their rules, “in theory, they're personalized to you for your situation, in practice, they're very standardized.” Many of the resident rules are self-regulated to help them sustain balance and order in their own lives that are also considerate toward those they live with. While going over the behavioral rules, he expects the residents to“show respect to all persons regardless of their crime race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity disability or ethnicity, harassment, intimidation or disrespect towards others and tolerating every person who has the right to feel safe, living at New Beginnings” (Rossney 1). Some of the housing rules include a curfew that reflects their parole curfew, no smoking, weapons, or drugs on the premises, and in regards to prescription drugs, New Beginnings must be notified. For any narcotic
New Beginnings grew out of Hudson Link, an organization that provides higher education and life skills to individuals that are or have been incarcerated. Hudson Link saves New York taxpayers about $21 million a year, whereas it takes $60,000 to keep a single person incarcerated. Educating incarcerated individuals results in a smoother transition back to society, lowering the “rates of recidivism, incarceration, and poverty” in society (Hudson Link, http://www.hudsonlink.org/). Hudson Link believed that their assistance in helping these individuals return to society should not only stop at education: “you could look at it on a human level that like, you know, we started our relationship as an educational relationship, but we're past that now and you know I'm invested in your future I'm invested in you as a human being and a person I want to see you be the best you can be” (Rossney 1). To pursue this belief, New Beginnings was created, providing housing for incarcerated individuals, aiding them in a smoother transition back to society.
New Beginnings began with the transformation of a dilapidated house into a safe haven for five formerly incarcerated men with the help of network alumni, donations, faith communities, and family foundations: “We created at this point, a single-family home has five beds, we can take five people out of the homeless system, and give them shelter, give them a safe place” (Rossney 1). It does not stop there. New Beginnings is already in the process of providing housing for formerly incarcerated women as well. This house will provide housing for up to nine women: It's a two-family house, which allows us to house, we hope, up to nine women there when it's completed and we're just in the process of doing those renovations now, we're just starting the renovation so you know that's a future expansion that's already on the books” (Rossney 1). In honor of Hudson Link’s first employee, Eileen Mohammed, the organization has decided to name the women’s house after her; “She left a huge mark, you know, on the Hudson link community and so many other people, even outside of Hudson link so our donors want to name the house, Mo's house, so Mo's house will be our first house for women” (Rossney 1). Hudson link’s creation of New Beginnings has and will continue to shift the lives of many individuals, and will keep expanding their resources to meet the needs of those formerly incarcerated.
The New Beginnings house has been running smoothly for more than a year. Mr. Rossney explains that most of their rules, “in theory, they're personalized to you for your situation, in practice, they're very standardized.” Many of the resident rules are self-regulated to help them sustain balance and order in their own lives that are also considerate toward those they live with. While going over the behavioral rules, he expects the residents to“show respect to all persons regardless of their crime race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity disability or ethnicity, harassment, intimidation or disrespect towards others and tolerating every person who has the right to feel safe, living at New Beginnings” (Rossney 1). Some of the housing rules include a curfew that reflects their parole curfew, no smoking, weapons, or drugs on the premises, and in regards to prescription drugs, New Beginnings must be notified. For any narcotic
Jan 03, 202101:13:51
Mr. Jeffrey's mindfulness journey: Moving from fear to gratitude by Brando and Arianna
Mr. Jeffrey is an inspiring example of how mindfulness can change your life and lead to growth. Despite the fact that he is now honest, hard-working, and hopeful, these mindfulness related concepts were difficult to acquire. With the practice of mindfulness, Mr. Jeffrey able to take control of his thoughts and become a more self-aware person. Any company would be lucky to hire Mr. Jeffrey because he has accepted his past and is able to prosper and grow into a more evolved human being. In his early years, Mr. Jeffrey appeared to lead a successful life personally and financially within the business he worked in, but he was battling with his negative personal and emotional issues. As humans, we come to the realization that it takes a certain amount of self-awareness to feel content with what you have in your life. Mr. Jeffrey, as a businessman, was not content and did not check in with his mental and emotional stability, which was important in order to provide for the business, employers, and himself with his greatest personal potential. Though, before incarceration, fear became a very apparent trait that arose from being unexposed to mindfulness. He feared failure. Lacking self-awareness, gratitude, and present-mindedness, fear led to a larger ego and greed. Mr. Jeffrey recognized that his fears often blocked him from accepting what he had and being grateful for it. Fear led him to want more and more. Later on, we were able to see that he remembered what he had gone through in prison with a story that revealed his fear of not having enough. Mr. Jeffrey describes buying the maximum that you were allowed to have of tobacco pouches so that he would have enough. He notes, “I don't smoke but tobacco in prison is currency. So, I would buy the maximum number that you were allowed to buy…” Just like in his past, his fear when it came to currency was revived because he wanted to make sure he didn’t lack resources. In the past, survival was money and now survival was tobacco. After years of learning in the law libraries, practicing mindfulness, and educating himself, Mr. Jeffrey reflected that "there's always an element of greed,” but “it was probably more about ego” and he did not “want to admit failure. Had I been practicing mindfulness, I think I would have been cognizant and aware enough to do the right thing instead of the wrong thing.” His ability to now surpass fear with his mindful state, to improve, accept, and consistently be aware of his past and present self has allowed him to succeed within his potential as a person, boss, and employer. While incarcerated, it would be extremely difficult for anyone to obtain any patience at all considering everyone just wants to leave. Thanks to his practice of mindfulness, Mr. Jeffrey became patient with himself, a dream any prisoner would want. Although Mr. Jeffrey never stated that he was patient just by talking about certain activities he did every day clearly demonstrated this. Mr. Jeffrey said, “I remember sitting … in the TV room with a bunch of guys watching the news and … you'd see tremendous traffic jams and reports and I would sit there and say, time and time again, I would give anything to be sitting in that traffic jam right now, instead of where I am. And now when I get stuck in traffic. I just think back to that. And I don't mind the traffic. It taught me patience and it taught me what's really important.” Being present in the moment ties in with being patient. Being present means realizing and accepting where you are now and not worrying about the past and future. Now, when Mr. Jeffrey sits in traffic jams he thinks back to when he was incarcerated and is extremely grateful.
Mr. Jeffrey's response: These students "listened to and digested everything I said and really captured the essence of where I was, where I am and where I hope to be."
Mr. Jeffrey's response: These students "listened to and digested everything I said and really captured the essence of where I was, where I am and where I hope to be."
Jan 03, 202145:07
Mr. Aurel's journey to entrepreneurship and social activism: Mindfulness and resilience by Gabriella
Prison reform; not as wild an idea as some may think. For most, our current prison system is a necessary aspect of today’s society, but how much do we truly know about the system's effectiveness? Aurel’s story of reform, resilience, and mindfulness can help to answer this.
The major issue is that within most prisons there is no room for growth. Malcolm X explains “behind bars, a man never reforms.” When we change prisons from facilities of punishment to facilities of education it helps inmates realize that they are more than their crime. Aurel, who I had the pleasure of interviewing, is an example of just how effective education in prison can be. During his sentence, Aurel had the opportunity to take part in an “Associates Liberal Arts degree through Cornell’s prison education program.” Without this educational growth, Aurel would not have left prison the same man he is today.
Aurel had so much to say during the interview and offered a perspective like no other. He has been incarcerated three times throughout his life, the first time being two weeks before his fourteenth birthday. Aurel's resilience, I think, is something to truly awe at. After his last incarceration, he was able to transform himself. He found himself in a position in which he could take part in organizations for “growth-oriented purposes.” Aurel believes that “life is growth-based,” so to live a full life you must continue to better yourself. Today Aurel is a “ business owner, a case manager, and an entrepreneur.” He uses his time served as his motivation for building him and his career, and he cares deeply about uplifting all of society. He is an example of how resilience and perseverance work in harmony to achieve greatness.
The idea of mindfulness seems like it would not have a place within the walls of a prison; however, it was a key component for Aurel. He has one of the most compelling stories of mindfulness. He explained that being mindful has given him the ability to “come into situations… and see opportunities or silver linings others may not.” The last time Aurel was convicted, it was through a wrongful conviction. He was denied due process as well as a fair trial and later learned that had he been given those things he would not have been convicted. Despite this, Aurel, has an incredibly inspiring take on the situation. He explained that regardless of his sentence, he has an “attitude of gratitude for all things he has been through.” Aurel then goes on to explain how he was able to take advantage of his sentence and use it as “an incubator to come out from great.” The fact that he has a sense of appreciation towards his prison sentence even though he was wrongfully convicted shows a level of peace and mindfulness that we should all strive for.
In closing, though Aurel’s educational growth, resilience, and constant mindfulness, he is a shining example of just how far one can come when given the opportunity.
Jan 02, 202140:27
Mr. Lenin's transformation: Beautiful with freedom by Nikki
Mr. Lenin has had a life-changing, inspiring story. He is a passionate, diligent worker who has made the most of his experience while incarcerated. At the start of his lifetime, Mr. Lenin did not consider himself capable of living a successful life due to his association with the streets which induced his street mentality and poor schoolwork achievements. In his early years, Mr. Lenin did not see school as a path to success, and he instead sought acceptance on the streets, as this gave him “... love and attention ... that felt like the world to him”(Mr. Lenin). Through mindfulness, Lenin came to accept his difficult past, not as negative, but as something he could transform in a positive way. He did not finish high school, but was grateful to later receive his GED toward the end of his prison experience. This was the start of his forward-looking journey.
Before being transferred from one prison to another, he did not see a glimmer of hope. Soon, he began to see prison as a way to utilize his time to grow and he would become one of those men who depart prison with life-changing stories. Mr. Lenin took part in many service programs that he prioritized such as Rising Hope and Cooperated, Osborne, Exodus, Narcotics anonymous class, and many more. Not only did this bring him light, but he” ... held myself responsible, for being there every week for other individuals and setting a good example," transforming his self-esteem and fulfilling his need to contribute to society! (Mr. Lenin). He wanted to encourage others to follow his path of becoming responsible and educated once they are out of prison. In addition, Mr. Lenin began to, “gravitate more towards the guys that...he could learn something from”(Mr.Lenin). As previously mentioned, taking the education path was a tough challenge for Lenin. However, the other inmates gravitating toward education too helped him achieve the education he was not capable to receive prior to prison life due to lack of Resources.
Throughout his time at the prison, he envisioned freedom that inspired him to “understand his strengths and weaknesses” which allowed him to observe his surroundings. Due to his release during the start of a pandemic, it was difficult to obtain a stable job. However, this did not stop Mr. Lenin. Instead, he stuck to the process with the Center for Employment Opportunities. Patience played a large part post-prison for Mr. Lenin. Every so often, Mr. Lenin was not able to get an interview for a job, which made him concerned. Before receiving a full-time job, he received part-time jobs which allowed him to adjust to the work environment and prepare him for a full-time job.
Following his twenty-five years in prison, it took some time to adjust. Nevertheless, he has shown growth and improvement to demonstrate efficient communication within a work environment. Mr.Lenin received a full-time job to clean buildings and he views his life now, while doing this work, as "beautiful with freedom”(Mr. Lenin). Nevertheless this time it was for his own good and stable pay. From observing and respecting those he has met on his mindfulness journey, he has grown
to become a trustworthy achiever in his daily life. Mr. Lenin “ ... learned what was important ... growing up in this country. There is a lot of freedom. This country is a country that supplies a lot of stuff that you don’t realize as you're growing up that you get a sense of entitlement”(Mr. Lenin). His ultimate goals are to be able to provide sufficiently for himself and to live on
his own in the following months. His acceptance of hard work will allow him to achieve these goals. His journey of feeling lost, achieving growth, and acquiring patience allowed him to be the man he is today.
From: Mr.Lenin
Well done Nikki! It’s fantastic. You have an extraordinary writing skill set. Thank you for your assistance and it was a pleasure working with you.
Jan 02, 202101:14:05
Mr. Angel's inspiring story of empathy, leadership and mindful living by Sydney
Mr. Angel Interview: By Sydney
Throughout his life, Angel has faced many challenges that have prevented him from reaching the goals he set for himself early on, and at some point, he began heading down the wrong path. This interview demonstrates that Angel has managed to turn his life around, however, as he has developed much strength and ambition before and during his incarceration. By participating in educational opportunities and life-changing programs as well as practicing mindfulness and taking advantage of his resources, Angel has grown into a strong person who values empathy, leadership, and a mindful approach to life.
Angel, “as a child, " recalled that he "grew up longing for the presence of my mother who was absent.” Living with his father and stepmother in a household with insufficient support and a means to express his discomfort, Angel soon found himself struggling in school. Eventually, this led to his incarceration.
While in prison, however, Angel was presented with the opportunity to turn his life around by enrolling in college courses. Without hesitation, he took necessary action, obtaining a bachelor’s degree, which allowed him to gain skills in both oral and written communication in English, Spanish, and German. The skill he has learned from these courses and values most in himself is his ability to empathize with others, as he also, at this time became connected with the Network Support Services mindfulness program. Angel believes that in being someone who is empathetic, “another person challenges your perspective and you have to be able to empathize with theirs. That is a skill I am very proud of having developed."
Angel's newly acquired skills allowed him to take important leadership roles in different service programs while incarcerated. One of these included that of becoming a steering committee leader for a rehabilitation program in which fellow incarcerated men practiced theater, music, and dance skills. Another extraordinary role he took on was that of an aggression replacement training facilitator, in which he assisted fellow incarcerated friends in addressing tough circumstances in a way that does not involve violence and aggression, but instead mindful alternatives to violence. Throughout Angel’s life, a big thing he struggled with was aggression, as he claimed he was “incapable of thinking before reacting and contemplating his emotions, and simply letting things go.” Through his leadership role as an aggression replacement trainer, however, he was able to help others overcome the same issues he faced, overall helping to better society as a whole!
The main thing that helped Angel overcome his challenges was practicing mindfulness and meditation while incarcerated. In handling his aggression and strong emotions, meditation allowed him to “become aware of any chaotic thoughts and turn them into something calm, which makes you appreciate life in a different way,” he said. While he might have sometimes found himself becoming frustrated with men who were newly introduced to the prison facility because he “forgot sometimes that the years it took him to learn the things he knew,” he applied his mindfulness skill of empathy and compassion that these men as well and developed life-long friendships while incarcerated that helped get him to where he is today.
Considering all of these wonderful qualities he has developed, he would be an asset to any employer! He has experience working at a car wash and creating commercial signs and as a finisher for Oculus, as he is very artistic. He is interested in eventually pursuing a career in public health or international affairs. Overall, Angel’s experiences while incarcerated have turned him into an extremely mindful person who is motivated to continue expanding his skills and uplift society.
Response from Angel:
“Hi Sydney, Yes, this is fine. You can use it to support Network Services. Thank you for the opportunity!”
Throughout his life, Angel has faced many challenges that have prevented him from reaching the goals he set for himself early on, and at some point, he began heading down the wrong path. This interview demonstrates that Angel has managed to turn his life around, however, as he has developed much strength and ambition before and during his incarceration. By participating in educational opportunities and life-changing programs as well as practicing mindfulness and taking advantage of his resources, Angel has grown into a strong person who values empathy, leadership, and a mindful approach to life.
Angel, “as a child, " recalled that he "grew up longing for the presence of my mother who was absent.” Living with his father and stepmother in a household with insufficient support and a means to express his discomfort, Angel soon found himself struggling in school. Eventually, this led to his incarceration.
While in prison, however, Angel was presented with the opportunity to turn his life around by enrolling in college courses. Without hesitation, he took necessary action, obtaining a bachelor’s degree, which allowed him to gain skills in both oral and written communication in English, Spanish, and German. The skill he has learned from these courses and values most in himself is his ability to empathize with others, as he also, at this time became connected with the Network Support Services mindfulness program. Angel believes that in being someone who is empathetic, “another person challenges your perspective and you have to be able to empathize with theirs. That is a skill I am very proud of having developed."
Angel's newly acquired skills allowed him to take important leadership roles in different service programs while incarcerated. One of these included that of becoming a steering committee leader for a rehabilitation program in which fellow incarcerated men practiced theater, music, and dance skills. Another extraordinary role he took on was that of an aggression replacement training facilitator, in which he assisted fellow incarcerated friends in addressing tough circumstances in a way that does not involve violence and aggression, but instead mindful alternatives to violence. Throughout Angel’s life, a big thing he struggled with was aggression, as he claimed he was “incapable of thinking before reacting and contemplating his emotions, and simply letting things go.” Through his leadership role as an aggression replacement trainer, however, he was able to help others overcome the same issues he faced, overall helping to better society as a whole!
The main thing that helped Angel overcome his challenges was practicing mindfulness and meditation while incarcerated. In handling his aggression and strong emotions, meditation allowed him to “become aware of any chaotic thoughts and turn them into something calm, which makes you appreciate life in a different way,” he said. While he might have sometimes found himself becoming frustrated with men who were newly introduced to the prison facility because he “forgot sometimes that the years it took him to learn the things he knew,” he applied his mindfulness skill of empathy and compassion that these men as well and developed life-long friendships while incarcerated that helped get him to where he is today.
Considering all of these wonderful qualities he has developed, he would be an asset to any employer! He has experience working at a car wash and creating commercial signs and as a finisher for Oculus, as he is very artistic. He is interested in eventually pursuing a career in public health or international affairs. Overall, Angel’s experiences while incarcerated have turned him into an extremely mindful person who is motivated to continue expanding his skills and uplift society.
Response from Angel:
“Hi Sydney, Yes, this is fine. You can use it to support Network Services. Thank you for the opportunity!”
Jan 02, 202144:51
Mindfulness Resolution Project
Adelphi students interview formerly incarcerated as part of a collaboration between Network Support Services and Adelphi University in Fall 2020.
Nov 07, 202002:15:54