by Waiting To Be Given A Chance, Alameda
The greatest test life has ever put me though was the system, this institution. I’ve dealt with a lot of things growing up as a black boy in this place we call “life.” I’ve lost friends, family members and myself at times. I was suffering with depression at a point in my life. At times I still do, but it was nothing like becoming a part of the “system.”
I first went to jail in July of 2021. I came to jail on one count of armed robbery and gun charge and ever since I’ve been dealing with my mistake. This was my first. I adapted fast to my situation and dealt with it. I got released to my father after spending a full month behind bars and they put me on GPS.
My father was never in my life so me and him couldn’t get along. It couldn’t have been a full twenty-hours before we started arguing and he put me out on the streets with my GPS. I went to my girlfriend’s, and she took me in. I ended up getting a violation and had a warrant out for my arrest.
I turned myself in to get the warrant removed, but here I was back in the system. My attorney tried her best to get me back on GPS to my girlfriend’s, but my PO didn’t like the idea and recommended Camp Sweeney, a six-month sentence all because my father couldn’t deal with his own son for thirty days. … I didn’t know how to feel.
I was mad and sad but didn’t let it show. I deserved to be home free, not at no one’s facility. I did half my sentence, then ended up running from the facility. I just couldn’t be institutionalized anymore. I was depressed and was losing myself. They violated me and restarted my whole six-month sentence.
I was on the run for four months until I ended up getting into a high-speed chase and crashed and got sent back here. I want to change and get my life together but it’s like this place is just holding me back from greatness. I got siblings and family to fend for. I have football and rap dreams I want to pursue but I can’t, sitting in here.
I’m currently incarcerated as of May of 2022, awaiting my next court date. I promise if they release me to my lovely girlfriend, I will change my whole outlook and my ways in life. I promise, just give me another chance and I can show the world.