It hasn’t been easy behind bars for Aaron Benson. So, graduating from college is a step in the right direction towards a better life.
Benson is of the 25 inmates in Lancaster prison in California who graduated and received their diplomas at the first-ever prison Cal State graduation ceremony.
For Benson, none of the graduates thought it was possible. They faced a lot of challenges in their lives and in prison.
He added that he’s so proud of every graduate.
Californian Inmates Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
Benson and other inmates sported the cap and gown at the ceremony where they were given their Bachelor of Arts degree in communication studies done in collaboration for education with Cal State L.A.
Jason Keaton, another inmate who graduated, said he couldn’t believe that this really happened. His plans for the future are to get himself together and then reenter the community he helped tear down, but this time, he’ll help build it up.
The prison inmates who turned away from a life of crime are now colleagues from college. For another of the graduates, Dara Win, although she can’t change the past, she can change what she’s doing now.
Seeing the Inmates Graduate Is a Transformative Experience
Kamran Afary, an assistant professor who’s been teaching courses in the prison as of 2017 explains that he’s not just teaching them via Zoom, but is also giving lessons in the prison.
He claims it’s an unbelievable transformation because they’ve witnessed it themselves over the past four years. They’ve seen all the blood, sweat, and tears and how dedicated and hardworking the graduates turned out to be.
It’s Really Overwhelming to See What the Inmates Achieved, Says Prison Warden
R.C. Johnson, the prison warden, praises the program and is amazed by what the inmates have achieved. One of the inmates who’s recently been released, Allen Burnett, earned his college degree in prison.
Now, he’s working for Human Rights Watch and is currently dedicated to getting his MD at the Cal State L.A.
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