Virginia

John R.:
John and his sister Maxine were very bright young children. Though he was a year behind the other students, John’s teachers applauded his intelligence. Then he met Corey, a bad influence who repeatedly got John into trouble. At the age of 15, John moved to live in Corey’s girlfriend’s mother’s house, where he was provided with drugs. Unsurprisingly, Corey would get John into trouble with the law when the two of them robbed a man of $200 and stole his car. Despite his protests, John was not provided with an attorney and pled guilty without understanding what was going on. He is now serving time in prison, and once he is released he will be under supervision for 20 years.

Dwayne B.:
Dwayne was an honors student in middle and high school. He had a large number of friends his age and older, and at the age of 16 he drove to Fairfax, Virginia, with a group of friends. There he robbed a man in his car with a gun. He was arrested the next day and sentenced as an adult. Dwayne spent eight years in prison, but he would not let it ruin his life. Naturally intelligent, Dwayne spent much of his time reading, working as a law clerk, and teaching himself Spanish. When he was released in March 2005, he found a job and enrolled in Prince George’s Community College, where he currently thrives. He has secured acceptances to American University and Goucher College. He hopes to become an English professor, mentor, and husband.