MyTimeToBlog
A couple of days ago I received a letter stating that I gotta go to the library. Not to pick up a book, but to find out if I'm back in college again. This news had me doing a happy dance, one that could possibly go viral if viewed by the masses. Thankfully so, I was in my cell, alone.
I completed Ancient Civilization last semester, my first college course ever. My professor helped me discover the Shang Dynasty, which I did a thesis on to finish my semester. I was happy, seriously. I learned something new, and at the same time, working my way toward an Associate Degree.
When I learned that I passed the course, I cried. Real tears. I never thought I would be in college, not when I have multiple life sentences to do. My thoughts were on surviving the insanity of being incarcerated, but that all changed when I discovered that I could be more than my worst.
I'm in prison being afforded a life-changing blessing. Now when the semester ends, I'm eager for the fall semester to begin. I signed up for two courses this time, and I'm ready for the work. I am because when I leave this world, that degree will say I did something with my life. Sadly, that dream was shattered like a glass jar when I learned I had issues with my Pell Grant.
I spoke with one of the liaisons for the college, learning that I had to refile again. I'm crushed, but ready to get things moving. I raced back to my housing unit, calling my mother. She's a woman who knows how to navigate the system, even at 75 years young. Immediately she started making calls, then emailed me that I had to file the form again, via mail.
The following day I was called back down to the library. The form was handed to me, and I filled it out right then and there, mailing it out the same day. Once it was gone, I was back on my grind. I'm doing my own studies: The Screenwriter's Bible, The Master Plan Workbook, and reading Understanding Addiction and Recovery. Being productive was a way of life because when you recognize where you're at, everything changes.
I'm in prison. I'm supposed to throw in the towel because I'm the worst of the worst. For a time, I believed that, but as you evolve, the world opens up. I'm a 47-year-old man who learned that I could be what I want, but it would take everything I have to make it so.
I have a quote memorized in my heart: "I count any man brave that conquers his enemies, for the hardest battle is the victory over self" ~ Aristotle. This told me that I'm my best and worst enemy. Not society. Me, and me alone. When I learned that, I hopped into the ring and went a million rounds with myself. We beat each other up, then stopped, realizing a better way: communication. We spoke about our shortcomings, then asked for help. A mentor entered the fray, guiding us into me.
It took a long time to get here. I love myself so much. I'm proud that I didn't give up because today I headed back into the library and learned that I had to refile the Pell Grant again. I smiled. Why? Nothing in life is easy. NOTHING. So, I sat at a desk with my incarcerated brethren and got back to work. Now it's a waiting game.
While I'm sitting in my office (cell) I'm working on my master plan. I have a new urban trilogy coming out soon. My screenplay is almost complete. Plus, I decided to work on a new trilogy from my Moving Weight series. Nothing can stop me but me.
Knowledge is power. What are you doing with it? Remember, nobody can stop you but you. It's all the way up!