No one truly wants to “fit in” with the general prison population, but everyone craves a sense of belonging among their peers. Six weeks in, I’m starting to find my place. I’ve met some good people who share my values. We believe in making the most of our time here, focusing on positive experiences and using this period for physical, mental, and spiritual growth. I’m settling in, which is bittersweet. I even got my prison nickname this week: “Belize,” likely because I talk so much about my time in my favorite country. The highlight of my week was teaching my first yoga class and being named the new resident yoga teacher. Despite my nerves, everyone said I did a great job, and some newcomers were eager to learn more. This made me genuinely happy, and I think it was the first time I truly smiled since arriving. However, it was also bittersweet because the current yoga teacher, and one of the best friends I’ve made in six weeks, is going home today.
Angel was the first face I saw when I arrived at camp, and I’m both excited and sad to see him go. After spending a night in holding, Angel was assigned to show me and other newcomers around Cumberland camp. He greeted me with a huge smile and immediately started joking, putting me at ease and dispelling my fears. He assured me there was no violence at the camp and that it was a laid-back place. When he asked how long I had, I reluctantly told him 36 months. He just smiled and laughed, saying I’d be out in no time, “probably only 11 months with RDAP.” At the time, I thought he was just trying to make me feel better, but he was spot on.
I could describe Angel in many ways, but “prankster” would be at the top. While showing me the track outside, he pointed to a building and said, “That’s where the indoor pool and spa is,” then pointed to a random inmate, “Talk to Bob about getting your pass. Real easy process.” He said it with a straight face, and I admit I believed him for a moment. To this day, he still asks if I’ve checked out the pool. He has countless similar exaggerations that many inmates fall for. My bunkmate once told me, “Angel’s going to give me a secret code to activate the internet on the tablet.” It broke my heart to tell him the tablets don’t even have Wi-Fi chips. Another good one is about the new construction across the street from camp. It’s a factory, but thanks to Angel, many inmates believe it’s a new co-ed prison Trump is building. One gullible camper even told me he was putting in for a transfer as soon as it was ready.
Angel noticed my passion for yoga when I started practicing alone in the gym every day. The other guys doing burpees and pull-ups looked at me funny, but I didn’t care. I love yoga. Most people wouldn’t think a guy my size would be good at yoga, but I think it was my flexibility that finally enticed Angel to invite me to his exclusive yoga class. Yoga has been a passion of mine for years, and I do a flow at least once a day. After talking with Angel, he encouraged me to take his place as the prison yoga instructor. I was excited and honored. Yesterday, I was nervous for my first time instructing, especially with it being an outside class with more people, but with Angel by my side, it went great. Angel is one of the few people who can bring genuine happiness to this place. I’m so happy he gets to start his life back in the real world, but I’m extremely sad I won’t see him anymore.
Angel, if you’re reading this, good luck, bro. We all know you’re going to do great things.
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