by Angel Alvarado
My name is Angel Isaiah Alvarado. I’m twenty-three years old and I would like to share my testimony on why I became attracted to the criminal life when I was young. I never knew about criminal and drug-related activity until I became aware of my family history and saw all the behaviors and activities that were going on within my house.
My mother and father were involved with gangs and drugs way before I was born. My father was actually murdered when I was a newborn child. I never got to be around him long enough to form any memories of him.
Growing up afterward, I was always with my mother, except when child services took me away from her. She worked hard and was successful at getting me back, but eventually my house became known as the party house and I started to like it. It became a part of my normal life.
I accepted it and found myself glorifying that lifestyle. I wanted to be like my family, so I tried my best. I wasn’t into gangs. My thing was partying, getting high, and drinking. I was living the fast life.
Yes, I did hang out with thugs, taggers, and criminals. Looking back, I wasn’t any different from them because I was doing everything they were. That got me to where I never thought I’d be, prison. All the partying, chasing girls, and getting high was not worth it.
I was nineteen when I came to prison. I’m twenty-three now. I got seven years left and I’m going to use this time to better myself so that when I get out, I can stay out and not come back. Today, I’m sober and I’m opening my eyes to bettering things in life that will benefit my life and the lives of my family too.
I realize I can do so much in life and that I am smart. I’m very kind-hearted, and I know I have a good mindset, but it’s up to me to put it to use. Just because you grew up in a home full of gangs and drugs doesn’t mean you have to be like them. You are worth more than that. Trust me, this is not the life to live.
Hopefully, you can take this testimony and learn from my mistakes. I will pray for you so none of you end up in prison like me. God bless you and take care.