As my time here at Arizona Correctional Industries has come to a close, I wish to convey my sincerest gratitude for the opportunity of being a part of this organization. Having spent the better part of a decade incarcerated, I can honestly say that this has been one of the best jobs I have ever had – whether in or out of orange.

Working at ACI this past year helped me maintain a modicum of sanity through the loss of my aunt, and old friend, and most recently, the tragic suicide of my only sibling. Although I may have had to excuse myself more than a few times in order to sob through the waves of grief, I took comfort in the continuous flow of work that never ceased to appear in my in-box. Knowing that I was a valued member of the Customer Service team fueled my determination to get up every morning, suit-up, and show-up no matter how badly my heart was broken. It gave me purpose and meaning in those dark days.

Furthermore, the encouragement, kindness, and occasional redirection I received throughout the past year helped me to develop and mature as a human being. Even through those tough moments when the “why” wasn’t so clear, I learned humility and how to accept criticism with grace and maintain a positive attitude. Rather than allowing myself to feel self-pity or hopelessness, I developed confidence in my resiliency and my ability to choose my own attitude and assume personal responsibility.

Nothing can compare, however, to the camaraderie I have enjoyed with my team mates and fellow sisters-in-orange.  Thank you, ladies, for your patience, technological assistance, compassion, and (occasional) cooperation in my team-building exercises. Best.Team.Ever. Nevertheless (and despite being assigned to Customer Service) I made it a point to acquaint myself with my peers in every department and have also enjoyed working alongside the ever-enthusiastic ladies from Aqua Chill. It has been a privilege to work with an outstanding and brilliant group like all of you. Thank you all for your friendship.

I never realized that I had it in me to produce the quantity and quality of work that I have done here at ACI until now. Thank you for being an integral part in me growing up; It’s be an amazing journey.