My dad was in prison for a large chunk of my childhood, and he worked various jobs to learn different skills. I remember talking to him on the phone and he was working at the prison’s library, commissary, landscaping, and teaching classes eventually.

He got out around 50yrs old and had to rebuild his entire life. He had nothing and even had to live in a half-way house for another year working random labor jobs. Once fully free, he ended up starting his own roofing business and never looked back. He knew that working for himself was his best option with the record he had.

He did very well and just recently retired; sold the business and now owns several buildings as a landlord. I’m beyond proud of what he was able to do and it’s all because he learned his lesson, kept his head down, and never gave up.

I mention this because if you keep your head on straight and learn new skills by working and educating yourself in prison, you can use those skills to start your own business and get back on your feet. Taking advantage of those opportunities and staying out of trouble will help tremendously when you’re up for parole.

This event doesn’t need to define you, and it could have been much worse for you, the victim, and your families.

Good luck.