News FeedWhen Prisoners Ask Me for Guidance
After more than 21 years in prisons of every security level, I am usually the most senior prisoner in any institution where I am held. Others who are serving time frequently ask for my guidance. Rarely do I offer any suggestions pertaining to their legal standing, as I am not a lawyer. My area of expertise is in developing strategies to thrive through prison.
In the various articles available through criminal-indictment.com, I describe the clearly defined approach I took to advance from high-security prisons to minimum-security camp in the shortest possible time. Essentially, the path I took, and the one I advise others to consider, is consistent with what I have learned guides others who achieve success. I tell prisoners that they must not expect the prison system to change their lives for the better. Instead, they must expect interference from both administrators and their fellow prisoners. If they can understand the negative influences of the penitentiary, they then can make strategic decisions to thrive in spite of the atmosphere.
Prisoners must envision the progress that they can make while serving time, and clearly picture the man they want to become as they emerge from confinement. If they can grasp on to that vision, then they may begin taking steps that will lead them closer to success. Every step is essential. Prisoners must ensure that they stay on course, and one tool I have used to help my focus was to announce my goals to the world. By letting others know what I wanted to achieve, I invited them to hold me accountable.
I wrote quarterly reports every 90 days to update my mentors of my progress. That effort at accountability was essential to my success. Every goal that I set out to achieve has been possible because of the clear path to success that I charted. By following this path, I urged other prisoners to work toward achieving the least restrictive custody classification. That way they could transfer to lower-security prisons, where volatility levels were lower and progress was easier to achieve.
Although we cannot have much influence once we are prisoners on the number of calendar pages that must turn before our release, through the decisions we make inside, we can determine the values, skills, and resources we have available when we emerge. Good decisions, too, can help us stay physically fit and emotionally strong.
The type of guidance I provide is valid for the habitual offender with a subpar educational level. It is equally as valid for the individual who serves time for white collar crime and in possession of graduate or professional degrees. My experience has made me a master of serving time and thriving through prison. Through the articles I publish, and the guidance I provide, I strive to help all of my fellow prisoners made decisions that will ensure that they too can thrive through prison.
March 12, 2009
Mr. Santos:
In you article entitled “When prisoners ask me for guidance” you indicate that other inmates approach you with help on their legal cases. You briefly indicated that you do not like helping inmates with their legal things, but you do advise them “that they must not expect the prison system to change their lives for the better. Instead, they must expect interference from both administrators and their fellow prisoners. If they can understand the negative influences of the penitentiary, they then can make strategic decisions to thrive in spite of the atmosphere.”
My question to you are; How often do prisoners ask for your help or advice and why? And how often do the inmates take your advice/suggestions and make it, in prison?
I appreciate that you have been taking time to contribute to my education and the understanding of corrections. I have enjoyed reading your book and other articles/blogs that you have posted. I am looking forward to continue to read on what you need to say about life behind bars.
Thank you,
Johanna Monique Galaviz
Hi Johanna,
Thank you for posting your questions, I’m happy to respond.
The prison environment tends to extinguish hope. Those who serve time within it face the prospect of serving months, years, or decades without having a mechanism through which they can work toward freedom. As a consequence of my having served more time than other prisoners will serve, and because I continue to lead a life of optimism, purpose, and meaning, my fellow prisoners sometimes turn to me for advice.
They struggle with the normal emotions of loss that would afflict any individual who was separated from family and community. When they turn to me, the questions frequently inquire about strategies to conquer lethargy or depression. I always suggest that a goal-centered prison adjustment can empower an individual through all challenges. I urge the prisoner to contemplate how he wants to emerge from confinement, and take gradual steps that will advance him toward success.
Some prisoners pay closer attention to my guidance than others. I sense that people listen to me because they respect the life I’ve built through prison, though my prison adjustment suggestions are uncommon. They require discipline, a commitment of will and emotion. They require a strong mind, and that is not always easy to muster for men who feel walls closing in on them. I strive to inspire, though for some the hopelessness of prison is too much to bear, as recidivism rates make clear.