Jeremy Lee

Prison, no matter the duration, affects everyone. Some in good ways and some in bad ways. My name is Jeremy Lee and I have been incarcerated for the last seven years. Some of the good things that happened to me coming to prison is being separated from false friends that were only good at getting me in to trouble and discovering who my true friends are, turns out I only have two. My family standing by me has made me stronger than ever before, working to help free me sooner. In every situation I try to find the good in it, but my time here has shown plenty of bad. The closer to my release date, the more nervous and scared I get. I know I have a family to go home to, but I do not know how I will be able to support myself. It was hard enough trying to find a job without a felony record, now I fear it will be impossible and what sane woman would want to be with an unemployed ex-felon that still lives with his mother? My doubts and insecurities were never this bad before. The way the prison treats us does not help. The prison system punishes everyone for the actions of a few. The latest injustice has been in the library here. A few people steal some books, so they downsize by 75%, removing access to educational, historical, and self-help books. Which was the usual books I checked out. Makes it harder to pass the time in a healthy manner. Spiritually prison teaches a lot. Being around so many people with different beliefs can broaden a person's outlook on humanity. If you can maintain an open mind. All faiths can teach wisdom so I am thankful for that kind of diversity, but I will be more thankful when this nightmare is over. I pray I can have a normal life again someday. I hope for the best but fear for the worst. Jeremy Lee 1333386