College Update

I wrote last week about the shake up in the college following three of the aides getting busted. The week took a strange twist. As quickly as all hell broke loose, it dissipated. On Monday, I was called into the principal’s office and told the investigation was over. The two senior aides were getting 100 series charges and were being packed up for transfer. The third aide, “Access Mike,” received a 200 series charge and would be allowed to stay, but he’s prohibited from computer access.

“You’re now the senior aide. I need you to get us registered for classes to begin January 7^th.” The rest of the week I spent time trying to rebuild what was close to being destroyed. How close did we come to losing college? The principal shared an email with me from the Regional Director to the warden. The investigation made its way to the senior DOC staff. The conclusion: too much is at stake to let two guys, and their reckless behavior, close college.
           
It’s tough. Prison is not conclusive to empathy. Once the heat was off and things began to return to normal, the general consensus was jokes and contempt for our lost aides. “F --- em,” was heard over and over followed by “Do you know what classes I can take Larry?” Personal interest trumps reflection and empathy every time in here.

Are things any different? Hard to tell right now.

Inmates are usually not known to learn life lessons from others’ misfortunes.  The students and aides met with the warden on Wednesday.  Our building will revert to all college students in the next month or so.  We’ll get classes going and move on and, hopefully, a few guys will earn their degrees.

One thing prison has taught me is everything can change in an instant.  Nothing in here is guaranteed.  Prison, I guess, is just like real life.