Think of all the things you plan on doing or accomplishing in the next 10 to 20 years. “Asked on the Line” conducted 41 random informal interviews with men in blue and teachers of the Prison University Project (PUP), and asked, “If you had the energy, time and resources to do just one of these things, which one would you do?”
For mainliners—after leaving San Quentin and getting off parole—70 percent would pursue personal interests. Spending time with family was the number one response, followed by traveling to various parts of the United States or to foreign countries. A three-way tie for third place went to embarking on a new career, starting a business, and earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree. In fourth place was devoting time to a religious faith.
Face would make up for lost time and treat his mother like a queen, David would like to be a father to twin boys, and Kenyatta would travel the world. Ray and Camacho would attain bachelor degrees, and Richard would “spend time and money to further the good news of Jehovah.”
However, 30 percent of the men in blue would engage in altruistic activities involving social service, education, or prison reform. Ke would start a non-profit to help at-risk youth. Phil would start one to help children excel in academic subjects. Hop would produce children’s books, Calvin would become a youth pastor, Malik would work towards ending the prison system, and Michael would help “to make sure there is love in every family.”
Among PUP teachers, 40 percent would engage in personal interests involving their careers, education, or family. Rhiannon would pass her comprehensive exams in Russian history, Emmett would start a business, Greg would be certified as a teacher while starting a family and Rick would write another book on mathematics.
Moreover, 60 percent of PUP teachers would engage in humanitarian activities. Kate would work to change the political and legislative systems and make them more inclusive, while Diana would participate in an AIDS bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Albert said volunteering for PUP has been “the best teaching experience” and would continue while earning his Ph.D. in European history. Finally, Michelle—a math, English, and Spanish tutor—would start “a comprehensive community center that would provide legal, health, and immigration services along with an on-site adult education program.”
