by Ziggy, San Mateo Looking back to the biggest lesson I learned in 2023, it’d most definitely have to be to never give up on something, even when the chances of success are little to none. I learned this lesson when I was in school and I had four days to raise my grades from all “B’s” to all “A’s,” so I could give my graduation speech and receive my award for being valedictorian. There was very little chance for changes with there being so little time left. But I used it as motivation to get my assignments turned in.
Continue ReadingIt’s that Time of the Year Again
by Joseph Aguirre, Correctional Facility in Delano, CA It’s that time of year again where for many, it can be lonely and painful. Many people don’t have family, friends and can be in confinement or in the streets. My utmost regards and love to those and encouragement to be strong, God sees and knows our needs. My name’s Joseph Aguirre. I’m an ex-gang member of forty-four years in age, Mex-American, from the small town of Fairfield, CA. Just the other day, I was thumbing through my address book, coming upon your address, PO box. It was written there a long
Continue ReadingEveryone has a Message
by Joshua Swetky, Correctional Facility in Denver, Colorado My name is Joshua Swetky, and I’m thirty-seven years old. I live in the Mile High City of Denver, Colorado. I enjoy studying, reading, writing, and especially drawing and art, and my goal is to expand my abilities and talents in a way to bring about positive influences upon society through introspection. Despite life’s ups and downs, I maintain a positive mental attitude and remain optimistic through my personal expression of art. I believe everyone can express a message that, even in the darkest places, can create light. We live only once,
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Volume 29.01/02
Please contact Lisa Lavaysse if you would like to purchase the full PDF or a printed copy of this issue.
Continue ReadingEd Note 29.01/02
Greetings to our Beat Within community, and to 2024! With each new year that passes, we’re met with new opportunities to learn, grow, and to challenge ourselves to become the people we want to be. Each new year is also an opportunity to honor our journeys — however difficult they may have been — and look back on our past with compassion. We’re thrilled to be on this journey with you, and are excited about the potential this year holds for all of us. We’re turning it over now to our good friend and longtime colleague Omar, to share some
Continue ReadingKeep Myself Busy
by Sonny, San Francisco I take care of myself by making sure I eat and keep up with my hygiene, like brushing my teeth and showering every day. I also make sure my bed is comfortable since I’m in juvenile hall. I have three mattresses and a lot of blankets. I remember when I ran from a group home and had to be on my own for two weeks. I went to my friend’s house to take a shower and brush my teeth. I had my mom send me money and I was using my money smart by buying what
Continue ReadingReality Check, Eye-Opener
by ER, Stanislaus Some things in life aren’t always easy to accept. Maybe it’s guilt. You might be ashamed or maybe you don’t want to believe that this is reality. But everybody needs a reality check or an eye-opener. I’m ER, I’m currently in juvenile hall, Stanislaus County. It’s been about a week and I still have seventeen more days until my next court date. Not sure if I’ll even make it out. Hopefully a placement is found for me. That’s the only way I’ll have a chance to make it out. My poor decisions are making it hard for
Continue ReadingGrowing as Time Goes By
by Freddy, San Quentin State Prison, CA When I think about self-care, it’s physical, mental, and spiritual. I have been working on myself right and just growing as time goes by. I have been working out to relieve my built-up stress from my situation. I have taken care of myself physically. Mentally, I would push it, whatever I am going through, pushing it off because I didn’t want to deal with my problems emotionally because of all I have been through: my childhood and coming into prison at a very young age, not knowing how to honestly deal with all
Continue ReadingThe Year I Return
Ken Vernon, San Quentin State Prison, CA I am excited about the New Year. 2024 will be the year I return back to society after twenty-nine years. The world has changed so much. I will be experiencing things for the first time at fifty-two years old. This year, more than ever, a New Year’s resolution seems to fit in with my life. I am leaving prison a different person, a healed person, a person that can be himself. So my New Year’s resolution is to take in every new experience with the curiosity and openness of that young Kenny of
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Volume 28.49/50
Please contact Lisa Lavaysse if you would like to purchase the full PDF or a printed copy of this issue.
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