Faculty and students attended a presentation on Wednesday, Nov. 12 where Sinclair distance learning students from four correctional institutions spoke, via satellite, of their accomplishments, obstacles, and future goals in their educational careers.
Twenty distance learning and inmate students from Pickaway Correctional Institution, Allen Correctional Institution, Ohio Reformatory for Women, and Dayton Correctional Institution participated in the workshop. The workshop/ presentation was held in Building 14 in the Forum.
Pamela Chambers, professor in the criminal justice department, organized the workshop to allow the Sinclair faculty to hear from students at the institutions, as to how Sinclair could better help them in their educational journey. The inmates communicated through live streaming video, which was projected on the front wall of the auditorium.
Chambers worked for the State of Ohio as a parole officer before teaching at Sinclair. She explained that the work she does with the students in the institutions is to her a continuation of her work with the state, and that “it is richly rewarding.”
“I am one decision away from possibly being an inmate like one of them, “ said Chambers as she stressed how one wrong decision can negatively affect anyone.
Chambers opened her presentation saying, “ By 2014 one out of 35 adults have some kind of contact with the system, whether it be incarceration, probation, or parole.”
During the presentation Chambers asked the inmates a series of questions including what obstacles they face inside the institutions while trying to achieve their educational goals and what they plan to do after release.
There seemed to be a consensus among the students at the four institutions on what obstacles they faced. Class cancellations due to teacher shortages, not having enough books or computers for all students and finding quiet places to study wee among the common themes.
Terry Gavin, ACI inmate, responded to Chamber’s question while also lightening the tone of the presentation and invoking laughter in the audience.
“Here you don’t have a quiet place to study, you have to go back to the block and that’s like trying to study at the club or something,” said Gavin.
Michelle McDew and Christine Moles, both inmates at DCI, felt a lack of resources was major obstacles they face.
“I personally learn better when the teacher is right there in front of me,” said McDew while talking about the shortage of teachers that teach in the institutions rather than online or through satellite equipment.
The lack of computers available and informational resources were also presented to the faculty as obstacles.
“We have a line of people waiting, We just don’t have enough computers is the biggest thing here,” said McDew.
“I’ve written so many papers and lucky for me I have people at home that I can say to, ‘Hey can you Google this information?’ said Moles. “If I didn’t have that, I can’t imagine how much harder it would be to write my papers.”
Chambers stated to the audience that facilitators and instructors at times have had to print information and then provide it to the students for them to complete assignments. Chambers also informed the students and audience that all concerns would be presented in an upcoming staff meeting.
Many of the students expressed that they wanted to give back to their communities when asked by Chambers what their future plans were after release.
Mary Ballinger, ACI inmate, discussed opening a non-profit that would work with teenage girls.
“You see young individuals who are lost, they actually become lost at a very early age. I would like to mentor young girls,” said Ballinger.
Andrea Walker, also a ACI inmate, talked about how she wanted to help others.
“I would also like to, when I’m out of here, put myself in a position where I can be a motivator to people in this position right now, whether it’s going to shelters or county jails or things like that,” said Walker.
She also mentioned why she wants to motivate others.
“I know I find that a lot of times the most motivating thing for me is to see someone that went through the same things as me and they’re now doing better,’ said Walker. “It’s hard to deny that it’s possible when you see examples of it and I want to be an example like that.”
Rachel ford, a Sinclair traditional student and former pupil of Chambers, was present at the workshop. Ford is a student worker at Sinclair Central and is also a student ambassador.
It was planned for her to speak to the inmates about her personal struggle with addiction and her experience with the legal system.
However, Ford was unable to speak to the inmates due to time constraints.
When the presentation concluded Ford discussed her past and how Sinclair has played a role in her recovery. “Being here has definitely kept me out of trouble and I’ve learned a lot being in my classes,” said Ford.
“This institution is like my sanctuary. Just getting yourself on the right path.” Ford also talked about her future plans and how she will utilize her Sinclair education.
I just want a job to be able to help people that have gone through. Helping people in general,” said Ford. “ Being selfless and helping other people help me. That’s part of what keeps me sober and keeps me going.”
“The validity of seeing that somebody did make a poor life choice and did change, Rachel is a perfect example,” said chambers. “I know she spent many years in the juvenile justice system and I’ve done nothing but watch her blossom and grow since she’s been a student here at Sinclair.’
During the presentation students from the institutions also discussed how Sinclair is helping them with their future.
“Taking the classes here [ while incarcerated] really wasn’t the way I planned on going [to college], but I’m very grateful for it because it made me focus on what I’m good at and the certificates are really going to help me,” said McDew. “ I’m excited to go home and get this started.’
Michael Federer, inmate at PCI, plans on opening an interior design and antiques business after release.
“I’ve already had a college education so everything I’ve been able to accomplish with Sinclair has added to that,” said Federer. “I feel much more secure in being able to do that and being successful when I get out.”
John Madison, PCI inmate, has spent the last twenty years designing computer systems and has spent 11 semesters on the Dean’s list.
“It’s trying to get the most out of life that I can possibly get while I’m incarcerated,” said Madison.
Chambers discussed her thoughts on the presentation after it had concluded.
“When students talk about talking to younger generations or going back and talking to youth groups or people in jail, they will provide, because it’s better to hear from somebody that’s been there,” said Chambers.
- Tue. Nov 5th, 2024