Where There is Change...There is Change

For every form of life (plants, animals, and humans), there are growth and development stages. Sunlight and water are the primary ingredients, but for all forms of life to exist, there needs to be constant change. Humans have the ability to stagnate, as well as strengthen, the process. We are able to self-determine, or direct, this journey across the life span and adjust (when necessary) along the way. If one slips and falls, it's an opportunity to learn from the experience and continue the trek. In substance abuse jargon, relapse is a significant factor of recovery.

The 1960's was a decade of transformation. Not only were there were many events with significant implications of positive change: the Cuban Revolution, the Civil Rights effort, and the labor unions who organized for worker rights and benefits, to name a few, but that decade was also one of significant personal change for me as well. I began this era as a little league outfielder, and, by its end, I was an addict/alcoholic on my way to prison for the killing of another human being. From a good student and active youth, I became a high school drop-out who inconsiderately acted out towards others. I grew up with a strong network of family and friends, but gradually isolated myself and eventually felt alone in a 6 X 8 cell. As a teenager, I thought I was mature and exuded responsibility in various facets of life. Upon reflection and undertaking a thorough personal inventory, I discovered that I should have sought help to adjust erratic behavior during this changing era.

The journey of life during my adolescence abruptly changed its course and direction. I could have played the cards dealt me in the shuffle instead of trying to go back into the deck to snatch the four aces for myself. I don't know. I do know that this new decade opened with a sense of independence and by the end I awoke from a narcotic stupor to the entanglement of concrete and barbed wire.

They say insanity is the state of mind where one continues negative behavior and expects different results. Was I insane or was the world just crazy? I wanted to change, to continue schooling, to obtain meaningful employment, to have a significant relationship, and to abstain from using drugs and alcohol. Rather, I wanted to change tomorrow, always tomorrow, because today I didn't believe it was a priority.

Change may be a natural phenomenon, but in an abnormal environment, it is a very difficult task to accomplish. Prison doesn't encourage change, in humans or in physical operations. Though penologists espouse rehabilitation as a primary goal, convicted felons enter the cellblocks powerless, broke, uneducated, and lacking good values. Conditions have not improved and the pay scale (a dollar a day) remains intact. The focus tends to be on restraints and secure housing units, not the individual prisoner. As a result, the majority of prisoners may exit, after many years, in a more desolate state.

In spite of the obstacles, change is possible; there are prisoners who successfully make adjustments in life to change negative behavior patterns. However, kudos should go to the "rehabilitated," not to the Department of Corrections who do not offer genuine involvement. This, too, should change.

Published in Metro Boston on 07-19-05