Blog Tag: Second Chance Month

This is JSTOR’s third year of publishing essays, poetry, and artwork from people impacted by incarceration. These stories are as diverse as America itself, yet the humanity explored by these writers remind us of the dreams, aspirations, and connectedness we all share.

Discover a summary of the "Second Chance Mentality: First Chance Reality" series by JSTOR Access in Prison, which amplifies the voices of individuals with incarceration histories.

Explore Phillip Vance Smith II's journey through the carceral system, shedding light on the impact of mandatory minimum sentencing and the challenges faced upon reentry into society.

Discover one woman's inspiring journey from prison to college graduation, highlighting the impact of mentorship and the challenges faced by individuals with convictions on-campus.

Striving to overcome a challenging past, Elisha shares her journey from a jail cell to pursuing a dream of becoming a pilot. Embracing hope and resilience, this story sheds light on the transformative power of second chances.

Struggles of reintegration post-incarceration are examined through personal experiences in this essay, highlighting challenges in navigating systemic barriers, including conflicts faced in a work release program. An individual shares insights on leveraging prison education amidst the complexities of reentry.

I was faced with a choice early on with my incarceration: allow violence dominance over my life, giving prejudice exactly what it wanted, or change, showing that violent offenders are more than lost causes. I chose the latter, and education would be my cure to cleanse me of this leprosy.

"Second Chance Mentality: First Chance Reality," presented by JSTOR Access in Prison, is our 2024 contribution to Second Chance Month. Each week we will offer a direct portal into the minds and hearts of experts on incarceration who we hear about, but not from. I hope to foster a deeper understanding and human connection through the lens of prison-based education.