questions i have been asked by you.

 

These are some of the questions I have been asked by you regarding my life as a discretionary lifer with 35 years under my belt. I will be answering them in the coming days

1. Early Life and Background

• What was your life like before incarceration?

• How did your upbringing influence the path that led you to prison?

• Were there specific events or circumstances you feel shaped your choices as a teenager?

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2. Initial Experience in Prison

• What do you remember about your first days inside?

• How did you cope with the sudden change from freedom to incarceration?

• Did you have any mentors or allies when you first arrived?

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3. Life Inside

• How did your daily routine evolve over the years?

• What were some of the hardest challenges you faced inside?

• Did you pursue education, work, or skills training while incarcerated?

• How did relationships with other inmates or staff change over time?

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4. Personal Growth and Reflection

• How has your perspective on life changed since being incarcerated?

• What lessons have you learned about yourself and society?

• Are there decisions you regret or would have made differently?

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5. Coping and Mental Health

• How did you deal with loneliness, stress, or fear over the years?

• Were there hobbies, routines, or practices that helped you stay sane?

• Did you have access to counseling, therapy, or spiritual guidance?

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6. Society and the Outside World

• How have you seen society change since you were first incarcerated?

• What surprises you most about the world today?

• What would you like people outside to understand about prison life?

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7. Advice and Legacy

• What advice would you give to young people who might be at risk of incarceration?

• If you could communicate with your younger self, what would you say?

• How do you hope to impact others, either inside or after release (if possible)?