CDCR incarcerated students are seeing the positive impact of education.
Two people with firsthand experience are Paul Wiley and Jesse Sotelo, incarcerated students at California Medical Facility (CMF) in Vacaville.
Sotelo enrolled in Professor Sean Gregory’s statistics course over the summer.
“In the past, I struggled with education. I didn’t get my GED until 25 years old,” Sotelo explained. “I never thought I was good enough to go to college. Now, after coming here, I found out I am smart (and) I could be that person.”
Sotelo finally decided to pursue his education since he wanted to be a positive role model to his children. He said he hopes to inspire them to earn their college degrees.
Watch the video (story continues below):
Wiley enrolled in Professor Turney’s speech class over the summer.
Wiley wanted to further his education as he felt that there was more to him than just being an incarcerated person.
“I needed to further my education,” said Wiley. “I would come across certain words and I couldn’t really understand. (So,) I had to get a dictionary (but) I knew there was more to me. I wanted to be a better person.”
Sotelo and Wiley are just two of many incarcerated students working towards enriching themselves and those around them through their active participation in educational programming.
Video and story by Matthew Sichler, associate governmental program analyst
Division of Rehabilitative Programs, DRP Media, Creative Services
Read more rehabilitation stories.
Follow CDCR on YouTube, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter). Listen to the CDCR Unlocked podcast.
Related content
RJD hosts Crime Victims’ Rights Week event
RJ Donovan Correctional Facility (RJD) recently hosted a National Crime Victims’ Rights Week awareness event for staff and the incarcerated…
CMC hosts annual Day for Atonement
California Men’s Colony (CMC) in San Luis Obispo hosted its annual Day for Atonement event in the Protestant Chapel on…
First group baptism offered to Pine Grove camp
Incarcerated men from Pine Grove Youth Conservation Camp were given the opportunity to participate in a group baptism. Held the…
Watch: Knighten finds Second Chance through education
When Johanna Knighten was incarcerated at Central California Women’s Facility in Chowchilla, she began making changes through education. She got…
CTF raises funds for Crime Victims’ Rights Week
The Correctional Training Facility (CTF) recently hosted a fundraiser to support the institution’s second National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. The…
CDCR staff, incarcerated make Easter special
Across California, CDCR and CCHCS staff helped make Easter special for children in the community as well as families visiting…