Are you ready? I ask, are you ready? In just over two weeks it will be here: the new millennium.

January 1^st, 2000 will mark the beginning of a new age, an eon where you have an opportunity to set goals for yourself. Before this date, take some time to reflect on your past. Compare that to your present situation. And then, consider a plan of action for tomorrow - your future.

Ask yourself this question: Do I see myself locked away for some or all of next year? If your answer is yes, then you have some serious thinking to do. Here is not where you want to be so, take some time to figure out what would make tomorrow brighter. In other words, what must you do with your life that will insure you will stay away from places like this.

You may think that you are alone in here. You are not. There are people who are more than eager to help you. The classification officer, for one, will assist you in coming to terms with the nature of your offense and the sentence you have. He or she will also recommend the programs that you can take that should help you deal with your situation. Speak to the correctional officers. They have seen many people come and go from here. They have the years and the experience of dealing with a lot of people...some just like you.

If upgrading your reading, writing and math skills will benefit you than the teacher will help. You may want to re-enter college or begin a trade's school program upon release. Again, the teacher will help.

For some people, an opportunity to talk to someone who will just listen would be most helpful. Mr. Gerry Tulk and Chaplin Ross will provide that service. They will also be very willing to give you spiritual guidance. For any inmate, who would like assistance in praying, take the time to speak with anyone from the various faiths that visit SCI.

You can begin the new millennium with a fresh start for yourself. Of course, it will take a great deal of personal commitment and resolve. But….if you want it bad enough... you can do it.

For now, take stock of your situation. See it not as a waste of time but, as a time to reflect. Stop. Look at your life. Assess where you are going and compare that to where you want to be. If they are not the same, you have work to do.

So, then in January, start by taking as many programs as you can. This would include taking classes in the school to improve your reading and writing, etc. Perform all your job related duties well and without criticism. Go to church. And in your free or spare time... read. Go to the library and borrow as many books, magazines and newspaper as you can.