Graduate thanks VSP officer for education success

November 22, 2024

Ornelas thanked Officer Samaco for his encouragement.

A Valley State Prison (VSP) correctional officer is receiving thanks from a graduate for his education success.

Incarcerated student Jose Ornelas graduated with his bachelor’s degree is social sciences from Fresno State in May 2024.

“I think it’s a part of my job to encourage them.”
Officer A. Samaco

Ornelas has been incarcerated for 21 years with 10 of those at Valley State Prison (VSP).

Education is transformative

“Education in prison has changed my whole way of thinking, and attitude towards the world itself,” said Ornelas.

Ornelas has received two other degrees, one in sociology from Feather River College, and one in psychology from Merced College.

“I figured, at least I am doing something positive from all the negative I’ve done throughout my life,” he explained.

Ornelas said his family in Texas played a huge role in his decision to pursue education classes.

Correctional officer received thanks from a graduate. — Officer A. Samaco

“I had seen how important it was for my mom that I complete this. All these classes started changing me as a human being,” he said. “(Like) being more thoughtful about people’s feelings and being an all-around better person.”

It wasn’t just the support from his family that helped Ornelas push through and succeed in his courses.

“Officer A. Samaco is a very nice person. He never talks down to you and he is always doing his job properly.”

Correctional Officer Samaco has been working for CDCR for 10 years, with eight of those at VSP. He became the work change officer who escorts Ornelas to and from his classes.

“I talk to them about coming to class and joke around with them,” he said. “I think it’s a part of my job to encourage them.”

Bridging the custody staff and incarcerated person divide, Samaco said it was about finding commonality.

“We started talking more (and) I found out he was a football fan so we would talk football and joke about football,” Ornelas said. “It just became an easy experience when I would see him those four to five days a week.”

Small act has bigger impact

Speaking at his graduation, Ornelas thanks officer Samaco for his encouragement and positive attitude. — Ornelas was selected to speak at his graduation.

Those friendly greetings from Samaco helped Ornelas become more determined.

“He commended us for taking advantage of going to school (and) wasn’t just giving us an attaboy,” Ornelas explained. “He was truly heartfelt and genuine about how he thought someone in prison is trying to do something good for themselves.”

And this simple act made all the difference for Ornelas. “He was recognizing (how) education is something huge, and to me that was life changing.”

Once graduation came around, Ornelas was chosen as a speaker. He thought this would be a great opportunity to express his gratitude.

“I mentioned Samaco in my graduation speech because he was the one who gave me the confidence and notion that correctional officers are people too,” Ornelas said. “They have feelings, they have a job to do, but it’s okay to have a relationship with them and still respect them within their roles.”

The officer was surprised.

“I was shocked, honestly, but I was very happy he took the time to thank me,” said Samaco. “The main thing is communication and respect. Talk to them every day.”

Ornelas is now working toward a master’s degree within the Dominquez Hills HUX program.

Officer Samaco also offered a few more words of encouragement for Ornelas.

“Just keep being positive, keep going above and beyond,” he told him.

Story by Ashton Harris, information officer
Officer of Public and Employee Communications