The Graduate

Earlier this year I completed an Introduction to Computers vocational training class. This week I had the privilege of participating in a graduation ceremony here at the prison. River North Correctional Center offers a number of educational opportunities. Everything from GED classes to multiple Vocational courses. In the last year over 300 inmates here at this prison earned certification and graduated from at least one class or course. Some inmates earned more than one certification.I was undecided about whether or not I wanted to participate in a “cap and gown” ceremony. I have been incarcerated for 26 years and I’ve taken numerous classes and courses over the years that I have completed and earned certification. In addition to 15 years of independent studies in theology that I never earned a formal degree or certification. I’ve always tried to take advantage of the opportunities that were available to me without the pomp and circumstances of acknowledgment. However, to be honest, I am really glad I chose to participate in the ceremony.I’m 56 years old and I’ve never had the opportunity to be a part of an official ceremony. I’ve never worn a cap and gown. What the prison did for us here at River North was actually pretty special and rewarding.I was impressed when the Warden of this prison, Mr. Younce, personally shook the hand of EVERY graduating inmate and offered his sincere congratulations. I was humbled and grateful for the number of times we were told as a group and individually how proud the educational and administrative officials here were of my/our accomplishments.Personally, the computer class was a challenge for me. I have been incarcerated for so long and I felt like a dinosaur trying to learn about computers. I enjoy the learning process and even a good challenge but the computer class was a difficult challenge for me. A challenge made all the more rewarding when I completed it. I am now enrolled in Business Software Applications and should complete this within the next 6 months.I was also impressed by the accomplishments of my fellow inmates. Our graduating class was a diverse group made up of both young and older men. Black, white and Hispanic men. Many gang members had completed courses and earned certification. It was impressive and inspirational. I found myself feeling proud to be a part of something so positive. I also felt like a bit of an underachiever as some guys were being acknowledged for completing more than one class.Our principal quoted Minor Myers who apparently has said, “Go out into the world and do well. But more importantly, go out into the world and do good.” Studies show leaving prison with an education greatly reduces the rates of recidivism. As I watched the ceremony I was impressed with the pride and the accomplishments on the faces of not just the inmates but ALSO the educators AND the administration officials. It was a special moment for all of us in that gymnasium. A special moment I couldn’t help but think about how much I wish society could have witnessed.I was maybe most impressed by the fact all of the inmates who participated in and graduated from a variety of educational opportunities had done so voluntarily. The Vadoc doesn’t force or mandate anyone to enroll in educational programs. In addition and even more impressive is the fact Virginia offers very little incentive for enrollment in educational programs. Virginia offers very little “good time” and no general parole opportunities for guys who do try to rehabilitate and reform while in prison. MANY of the inmates who voluntarily enroll, including myself, have life sentences or numerical life sentences. I was impressed knowing many of the guys who had worked so hard to earn a GED or learn a trade and graduate had very little hope of ever being released from prison.The Virginia Governor Glen Youngkin recently touted how Virginia had the second lowest recidivism rates in the country. This certainly looks good for Virginia political officials. However, I’m afraid one of the reasons Virginia’s governor can boast about low recidivism rates is due to the fact Virginia doesn’t let that many people out of prison. We serve 85% of our sentences.One third of our prison population is geriatric or will soon be. Many of these men including myself have been incarcerated for decades. Sadly, many of the young men who earned diplomas and were congratulated for their accomplishments this week will STILL BE incarcerated decades from now. In fact only 9 inmates out of 306 total graduates had been released since earning their diplomas.Virginia NEEDS to reinstate parole opportunities for all inmates after we have served a portion of our sentences. It’s good that Virginia has low recidivism rates when compared to other state prison systems. But we CAN do better and WILL do better when Virginia lowers their prison population.Inmates are self rehabilitating and transforming themselves through the educational opportunities offered here at River North Correctional Center. Many of which have very little hope of being released. Imagine how many more inmates would be and could be rehabilitated and reformed if they had the incentive of being evaluated for early release on parole. Shouldn’t THIS be a more important part of the “corrections” process? People can and do change. The educational and Vocational opportunities offered by Virginia prisons should be working hand in hand with a parole board who is reviewing and evaluating inmates for early release once they have served their time and proven they are no longer the same person who came to prison.Educational opportunities and accomplishments become more meaningful and powerful when they are used in the process of RESTORATIVE JUSTICE measures.I was proud to be a part of the graduation class of 2024 here at River North Correctional Center. I wish some of our lawmakers could have witnessed it.

Jeffrey Shortal