After being a drug addict, doing time in prison, then giving a valedictory speech, Rodney Goldson declared that getting a GED diploma made him feel like he was “standing on top of the world.”
“I found myself having self-worth as I achieved each educational goal,” Goldson told an audience of about 300 guests. “It helped me overcome low self-esteem. I hope that my achievement today would inspire others to work toward their education.”
The graduates’ family members were able to witness San Quentin State Prison Robert E. Burton Adult School’s annual graduation ceremony on July 24. Also in attendance were prison administrators, volunteer literacy educators, academic and vocational teachers and fellow inmates. The event was held in the prison’s Protestant Chapel.
“I am standing in one of the most forward-thinking prisons in the country,” said the keynote speaker, San Francisco Sheriff Ross Mirkarimi.
Mirkarimi stressed to the audience the importance of “educating those who are in our custody without losing sight of the power of redemption.”
“I’m a big believer that the criminal justice system must be a more positive influence on those in custody,” Mirkarimi said, “but particularly on the children of those incarcerated so that there is a greater connection between families. If we’re concerned about the children of the incarcerated, we have to do more to mitigate the negative impact of the separation.”
There were 38 General Education Development (GED) graduates and 13 Career Technical Education certificates earned in Construction Technology. Four graduates from Coastline Community College earned Associate in Arts degrees. Two graduates earned Associate in Arts degrees from Lassen Community College.
Andrew M. Vance earned his GED and is now attending Patten College classes.
He is currently enrolled in a self-help program called GRIP (Guiding Rage Into Power) and is taking a program to certify him as a domestic violence prevention counselor. He intends to apply to apply for a new hearing before the parole board next year.
Shadeed A. Wallace-Stepter received a Business Certificate from Coastline Community College.
“It’s a payoff to taking these classes,” Wallace-Stepter said. “Now, I know how to develop a business plan, mainly for The Last Mile.”
The Last Mile is a training program at San Quentin that focuses on technology entrepreneurship.
“For my fiancée, [Bambi Williams,] this was a different setting than just the visiting room,” Wallace-Stepter added, “It showed her another aspect of who I am in this community.”
Tare N. Beltranchuc graduated from the Construction Technology program.
In addition to learning how to install solar and wind energy systems, solar thermal energy systems, refrigeration, fire alarms and heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems using smart technology, the graduates are certified in various fields of construction such as masonry, roofing and pipe-fitting.
“Even though people make mistakes, this type of event reminds us of the humanity of us all,” said Miguel Salazar, who Beltranchuc describes as a father figure to him. “I’m proud of him. It’s good for everyone to spend time in harmony,” Salazar added.
Tare told his family in Mexico, “Me gustaría mandar un caluroso saludo a toda mi familia de Cancún y decirles que los extraño mucho y este Certificado se los dedico a todos ustedes, especialmente a mi hijo Tare Jr y America.”
“It’s important, once a person earns a degree or makes an accomplishment in here, that there is a tangible and useful purpose on the outside,” said CJ Patterson, who came to see Todd Williams graduate.
Williams earned an Associate of Arts degree in General Studies/Social Science from Lassen College.
“Don’t send the people through these tasks and not make whatever they learn useful,” Patterson said. “People need to be looked at differently when they leave these places. They have to stop being penalized after they leave these places.”
Williams’ fiancée, [Charlotte Walker,] said, “It was exciting. I’m proud of him. This is showing that they want to improve their lives and it is rehabilitation.”
“You have become the ambassadors of this educational system,” Mirkarimi told the graduates. “You are the definition of what this country is doing right toward prison reform.”
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