Free To Strive

People have hopes, dreams, and goals. It is the same in prison as it is in society. Some
things remain the same no matter where one resides. Even when incarcerated, one can hold on to
their humanity. Happiness seems to reside in the hearts of those who work towards something.
Direction and purpose give me the means to overcome boredom and melancholy. My life in this
cage is much like it would be on the streets. I spend my years in work, study, and recreation just
as I would if I were free.
Yes, I work at a job. Prison is no escape from the need to be productive. My current
assignment has to do with education. I am currently working as a tutor, teaching mentally ill
inmates. I have also worked in a sowing factory as a laborer. I was a janitor of sorts for a while
and I spent time in the kitchen as a cook. Mainly though I have been either a teachers' aide or a
tutor.
I attend school too. I am currently four classes away from an Associates of Art degree in
American Studies and an Associates of Science degree in General Business. I hope to continue
my education by seeking a Bachelors of Science degree in Business Administration. In addition
to secular classes, I take self-help and religious courses. I am in three of them at this time.
I have many pursuits that entertain me. I enjoy reading, writing, and playing guitar
among other things. I also exercise by walking and doing strength training. I have a few friends
in prison with which I socialize. I relax while listening to the radio and sometimes I watch a little
television.
I know that what I am describing fails to fit in with the stereo types of prison life. The
truth is one's existence here is much of what they make it. That is no different here than it is on
the streets. I do have worries that most people in society have to a lesser degree; the problems of
incarceration cannot keep me down for long. Yet, there are also fewer freedoms available. A
comfortable cage is still a cage. I will never stop longing for the outside.
In conclusion, drama is available in prison; however, it is avoidable. Some inmates pass
the years by being productive. I am one of those who choose to separate myself from the crowd
by concentrating on doing useful and productive activities that improve the standard of my life.
In the course of doing so I get to help others. I do have a sort of contented life here but it fails to
prevent me from hoping for the freedom available to me beyond these walls. I yearn to be free to
fulfill all my potential. My desire is to soar to greater heights. The limitations of the environment
only restrain, they do not define or stop me from striving.

Patrick Rathsack T-45624
Valley State Prison
PO BOX 92
Chowchilla, CA 93610-0092