Mt. Tamalpais College at San Quentin unveiled its newest photos of formerly incarcerated alums as a part of the college’s “Freedom Wall.”
Over 60 formerly incarcerated and current MTC graduates gathered in the Education Department’s B-building annex to observe the newest collection of alumni pictures, promote higher learning, and discuss the connection between education and success after prison.
“It’s important to hear from students firsthand about returning back to society,” said Kirsten Pickering, a Mt. Tam educator. “It’s beneficial to those on the same journey to witness what’s possible.”
Three of the 16 new alumni photos displayed included John Lam, Timothy Long, and Sumit Lal, each of whom attended the event and shared their personal journey.
“If you don’t have a solid plan, my advice is that MTC can help you get on the right track,” said Lam.
He explained how beings part of the college community helped him get through being incarcerated and also plays a vital role in his life achievements outside of prison.
“Focus on what you learn in here. It’s super beneficial and your credits are transferable to UC programs,” said Lam. “If you find yourself here, you can make it anywhere.”
Once known as the Prison University Project, MTC has grown into an inclusive culture of learning and community that promotes change and personal growth through education.
Students of MTC have the opportunity to earn an Associate of Arts degree and are supported by professors, teachers, and faculty members, which help residents inside and outside of prison.
Corey McNeil, a formerly incarcerated MTC alumnus, helps students navigate their educational goals. He has become an important resource for those using education as a platform to accelerate their rehabilitation.
“This is my community and now I’m in a position to help,” said McNeil. “Enjoy the journey. It may seem hard and the path unclear; just take one step at a time. It’s worth it.”
Resident students of MTC asked the returning alums what challenges they could expect to encounter when they get out.
“I suffered from impostor syndrome,” said Lal. “You don’t feel like you belong and it takes a while to get through that.”
Lal explained that it’s not always going to be a given that you will succeed right when you get out of prison. He faced difficulties when looking for a job and turned in 82 applications. He was turned down 81 times.
Lal said that there are stresses and struggles when integrating back into the world and that you have to hold on to hope, be resilient and consistent.
“Believe in yourself. Looking pass your past is important,” Lal advised the crowd.
Another formerly incarcerated alumnus, Timothy Long shared how powerful education is when facing everyday issues outside of prison.
“The problem-solving skills and analytical ways of thinking learned at Mt. Tam help you to make decisions and give you confidence when faced with adversity,” said Long.
Long said that going to college helped him find his moral compass. “Accountability is everything. How you act in here is how you will act when you get out.”
Long made a decision to change by going to school. He said that the communication skills he learned help so much outside of prison. “If you are in MTC seeking change, you are in the right place,” said Long.
After thanking faculty, staff, residents, and featured guests, emcee Henok Rufael pulled down the curtain unveiling the 16 new photographs.
Rufael added the pictures to the middle row of the freedom wall. “Events like this keep it feeling more like a campus, not like a prison,” said Rufael.
Resident MTC clerk Victor Olguin said how he felt about the day’s event. “I admire these guys. It takes courage to come back to a place where they were incarcerated and share their experiences.”
While viewing the additional alumni added to the freedom wall, now adorned with 58 photos, resident and current MTC student Oscar Acosta said, “To see them out there shining is a blessing. It’s motivation these are friends of mine [and] we went through the struggle together.”
