I returned to the United States searching for opportunities to share my newfound outlook. I taught for numerous years to at-risk middle school students in urban school districts. I became a child abuse investigator, where my job was protecting children and directing adults to make better choices while raising their children. I worked as a mental health case manager and led my clients to address their mental health and daily living needs. 

I learned to have empathy and compassion. All these career opportunities showed me that life can be tough if you're not born with health, money, or the right connections. People need the opportunity to be lifted up. Stigmatization of these vulnerable groups helps no one I found out.  A better way of thinking was to ask yourself what you could do to facilitate change.

    My last twenty years have been ones of reflection and learning patience.  I have served in numerous prisons both as a correctional officer and a teacher. While I have monitored, directed, and taught some of the 23,000 inmates that our state incarcerates, I learned that one must keep one's own humanity intact. As an officer, I would make my rounds on the tiers and say to myself, “Thus by the Grace of God go I,” or  “How would I like to be treated if I was the person in that cell and serving endless days?” Most prisoners are going to be released someday. I wanted them not to come back again by making them whole again. As a prison teacher, I taught mental health skills. Do you think that you might have issues if you were separated from your family and had to adapt to a new normal? I know my students are better people having known me both as a teacher and a fellow human being.

Finally, I am a widowed father of twin sons who are in their final year of college. They have made me a better person by teaching me how to have patience, love, and not to sweat the little stuff. Sometimes you can add laughter to the mix. I look forward to seeing their next chapters of life and hope they have had the same opportunities that I have had.