Second Chance Essays

Apr 13, 2023 • 1 min read •

MOVING FORWARD By Billy Bragg (a comic strip)

A visual interpretation of the challenges of finding employment after prison. A JSTOR Access in Prison Second Chance Submission

Stacy Burnett

MOVING FORWARD. It's been two months since I walked out of that prison. Spent ten years in there trying to redeem myself from my past mistakes. Now I've been spending my days filling out applications and doing interviews. It didn't matter that I'd gotten my bachelors in Marketing while inside. All anyone cared about was that damn felony theft charge. What was the point of all the hard work I put into my studies if everyone keeps holding my mistakes against me? Why put myself through this? As much as I wanted to, I knew I couldn't give up. If I could overcome the hardships of prison - I could achieve anything! I began to see how my freedom in itself was an opportunity. Once I'd humbled myself, I unexpectedly found just what I was looking for.

Education Program: None. I participate in a voluntary writing course from college guild and prisoner express. Byline: I have 25 years to serve and I spend each day studying and practicing to become a better and more rounded person.