In this essay for Quinnipiac Magazine, John J. Lennon writes about the need for an increase in educational offerings in our corrections system.
EXCERPT
When I saw the prison counselor for what’s called a quarterly review, she asked through a mask if my emergency contact had changed. Any safety concerns? Sexual abuse? (She has to ask per federal law.) I said no. She faced a computer screen, which was filled with different files on me: crime synopsis (drugs sales and murder); sentence (28 years to life, parole eligible in September 2029); unusual incidents (inmate was stabbed six times, assailant never identified); programs satisfied. She tapped the keyboard.
“Future goals still the same?” she asked.
“Yes, yes,” I muffled under my mask. I didn’t remember what she had down for my goals, but she acknowledged the professional me. I didn’t care what was on that computer screen. I thanked her and left. I had to get back to my cell, get back to work.