by Floyd D. Collins, San Quentin State Prison, CA
Life is a journey and on this road there are many streets, roads, detours and obstacles. For me coming to prison I didn’t have a GPS to help me navigate through the unknown. My first stop after going through the process of San Francisco County Jail “7th floor” was San Quentin reception center “Badger Section” 5th tier.
Knowing nothing about prison I had to become a student. I looked and learned and spoke when spoked to. This taught me how to listen and talk less. Starting my 25 to life sentence on a Level 4 at CSP Lancaster, I had to develop a firm foundation of boundaries and self-respect, so I could give and receive respect. This taught me discipline. After a tour of another Level 4 yard in Salinas Valley State Prison, I made it to a Level 3 called CSP Solano.
Here’s where I learned to adapt because being around a lot of people from “The Bay” problems were quick to arise based on geographical disparities. This is when I developed the skill set to survive, not to the point of kill or be killed, though not becoming a sheep among wolves. I kept my head on a swivel like an owl I made it through.
The next stop on my journey was a stop at CTF Central also known as Soledad. I dropping from a level four all the way to a level two and that was a big accomplishment. Now since my journey was becoming more and more enlightening, I took time in this leg of my race in life to educate myself. I did it by seeking out education through Coastline College. I began to see myself as more than just a “number.” I wasn’t just an “inmate.” I was slowly becoming SOMEONE! This feeling brought another layer to my life called purpose.
Today, upon writing this manifesto into the development of my character, I sit in San Quentin once again 20 years later from my first tour here in 1999 and 24 total years of incarceration. I have tried to be so many things.
Today, I am sincerely who God has created me to be. After being denied parole in October 2019. The last piece to my puzzle was inserted, which was being this committed.
Resilience is a choice that can me manifested through trials, tribulations, and lessons learned.
The choices a person makes today can make his or her time longer, shorter, which can eventually lead to your complete freedom. How one chooses to react or respond will either build your character or destroy your character. Always thrive for better and seek greatness. Resilience lies within us all. Keep in mind always, “Without struggle there is no progress.”