Believing That You Can Believing That You Can
faith, and goals. Prison, what first seemed to be the end of
the road, has been a new beginning for my journey. Prison
has made me clear on who needs to be in charge of my life,
and it isn’t me! Obviously, all my best being in charge
brought me to this place, which I know now I needed to
humble me. By the grace of God I am here, alive, and
learning that there is more to life than what I want and what
I think is important and I am so very grateful for all this
place has given me, along with God’s help.
Today, at forty-four years old, I am finally growing up,
thanks to all the opportunities here. I have, by God’s grace
and much help, gone from a fourth grade education to
preparing to get my high school diploma. I have been able
to become compassionate and understanding, instead of
harsh, prejudiced, and judgmental as I had always been. I
am allowed to practice my faith, work on my recovery from
drugs and alcohol, and also have many options on working
on my physical wellness. I have changed from a miserable,
angry, overweight, drunk, and drug addicted person. Prison
has allotted me the time to really change, to become happy,
joyous, and free! I am Free! Even behind the walls, I am
free! Today, I am forty-four years old. I am in the best
shape of my entire life, spiritually, emotionally, mentally,
and physically – by the grace of God, and the turning point
that brought me to my knees: Prison.
Davi Carnevale is an adult learner at Gadsden Correctional Facility,
Quincy, Florida (Gadsden County), where Ms. Deon Lee is her GED
Instructor
I Am Different
I’m from Guatemala, but I came to this country in 2002.
That is when my life changed. It was my dream to come to
the United States. For me it is a great blessing from God. He
helped me so I could come here to this beautiful country. I
have opportunities to change the life of my children and for
myself. My children will have a good future because in this
country we can achieve our goals and those things we think
are important for success. It would be a different life if I had
not had a chance to get here to the United States. I would