"Recognition of Positive Change” By Charlton Earle’ Jennings

Hello, today I am holding a interview with a fellow inmate. There are a lot of stereotypes about life behind the walls. Although prison is a tuff place, there are a few who take the time to better themselves while incarcerated, by exercising, reading writing letters. Staying connected with family and friends on the outside is very important. These are just a few ways to do the time.

However, there are other ways as well, such as going to school to obtain a college degree, or an acquired trade. There are a lot of artist and writers as well. Although we all have family and friends beyond these walls, for the most part we begin to forge bonds while inside. Some bonds become closer than the friends or family that we have. But just as it is in society not everyone speaks or interact with one another, as so it is in prison. But there is a mutual respect for people who carry themselves upright and stand for something. With juveniles’ lifers, long timers, short timers, and adult lifers, all of our goals are the same “Freedom.”

We want society to understand that people can and do change. We are fathers, husbands, sons, and uncles. We are much a part of our family as well. With that being said I will begin this interview, I hope the world is listening because we have voices to.

I like to introduce to you a man whose changed his life and serves each and every day to better himself.

Q: Hello, could you state your name.

A: Terrence Tucker

Q: Okay Terrence, it is a pleasure to be interviewing you right now. I am aware that you are currently attending school. What subjects are you taking?

A: I’m going for a degree in Liberal Arts from Villanova, and I’m also attending Barber School to acquire my Barbers License.

Q: Wow, that’s good. I see you are doing your time and not letting the time do you. Villanova is a reputable college and I commend you for everything you are doing. If you don’t mind me asking, how much longer do you have to do on your time?

A: I have twenty years left. I am very optimistic about my current Appeal, and I have thirteen years of incarceration.

Q: What do you think keeps you strong during this period in your life?

A: My faith and knowing that one day I will return to society God willing, and I am doing everything I can to be prepared. And I have good family support as well.

Q: So looking at yourself from the time you first became incarcerated thirteen years ago until now; do you think that you’ve changed? And if so how?

A: Yes, well now I know more and I look at life differently. I’m older and I realize that there is more to life than what goes on in my neighborhood. I feel like I deprived myself of so much due to my bad decisions. I just want to live life to the fullest when my opportunity comes.

Q: So who do you see yourself being upon release?

A: A better man, brother and a good husband when I find my queen.

Q: Is there a website you can be reached at? Yes, at Face book at Terrance Boo Boo Tucker, where you can read my poems and very shortly I’ll be posting my other work as well.

Closing Remarks:

Well, I thank you Terrence for your time and I wish you the best.

“Sunsets behind prison bars and walls, yet, I can still see the stars, thru my prison window” “I Am a Star” poem excerpt from: " Inspirational Thoughts: Freedom of the Truth from Within” by Charlton Earle’ Jennings.