It’s easy for a man to say he’s going to change his life in positive ways upon imprisonment. Really changing, though, is something else. Positive change does not happen by accident. It is a personal choice that requires the right attitude, commitment, and discipline. 

Anicasio Muñoz (who goes by Nick), didn’t begin his term with the intention of changing anything about himself. He self-surrendered to Taft camp in October of 2008 with anger anchoring his adjustment. The thought of being separated from his wife of 10 years and three young children while he served a six-year sentence embittered him. But after one month of sulking in anger, Nick decided to take action. Instead of wasting time, he chose to use it to his advantage.

“The first step I took was signing up for the GED program,” Nick said. A troubled childhood had led Nick to drop out of school in the ninth grade, and problems with law enforcement followed. As an adult he worked his way into a successful career as a mortgage broker, but Nick regretted his lack of educational credentials. “After getting over my anger, I was able to see that I could use my time at Taft to change a negative into a positive. I wanted to make that change for my wife and kids.”

Nick studied on his own for the GED exam, and by passing it with high scores he boosted his self confidence. He hadn’t seen himself as a good student before, but success with the GED prompted him to further advance his educational credentials.

“I decided to devote every day of my imprisonment to earning credentials that would show my commitment to changing in positive ways. If I saw a program being offered that would teach me something or improve my life, I signed up. It didn’t matter what it was. I completed courses in crocheting, parenting, walking, man-in-the-mirror, reflections, and several drug awareness courses. My real passion was college. I was determined to earn a degree.”

Nick’s active schedule displaced his anger. Instead of fuming with resentment over time away from family, he began to embrace opportunities that would show his commitment to conquering a difficult situation. One day he would walk out of prison boundaries, yet freedom would not end the lasting stigma of confinement. Nick anticipated awkward interactions with probation officers, employers, and others in society. Since he couldn’t hide from his history of imprisonment, Nick aspired to show those who would judge or evaluate him that–despite some earlier bad decisions–his consistent efforts were focused on redemption and earning his freedom. 

“Anyone can make bad decisions that lead to problems,” Nick observed. “My goal was to make changes that would convince others it wasn’t the problems that defined me. Instead, the positive way I responded to problems would define me.”

Anicasio Munoz

By sacrificing television and other leisure-type activities, Nick made progress. He studied voraciously and earned an associate’s degree in social sciences in 2009. He has continued his quest for self-improvement and is on schedule to earn a second associates degree in general business from Taft College before the end of 2010. Simultaneously, Nick studies independently through Louisiana State University and he expects to earn a bachelor’s degree before the completion of his sentence.

“The degrees validate the commitment I made to improve my life,” Nick acknowledged, “but the real value comes from all I’ve learned. I’ve improved my vocabulary and my communication skills, and I’ve gained a new comprehension of what makes society function. Education will prove invaluable to my career, but more importantly, I’ve become a better human being–one who isn’t consumed with anger or bitterness.”

When Nick concludes his sentence and meets with his probation officer for the first time, he won’t have to say that he has changed. His accomplishments will speak for him.

Ran 10 miles / 5,285 miles in 593 days

500 pushups / 81,200 pushups in 2010

Wednesday, 28 July 2010

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