Student Testimonials: Dorchester Men's Program (2000-2003)

I liked the opportunity I got to express my feelings. I did do some of the reading, and what I did read I learned a little more about myself from it. What I get out of the readings is how similar these people's lives are to mine. We all go through some of the same experiences in different ways. To me, reading literature does change lives. It allows you to express some of your thoughts and feelings. Through this it allows you to take a Self-Inventory! The course has made me reflect on the things I have done in life, some of the mistakes I have made. (Spring 2003)

Reading opens your mind to think, write, and express yourself. For instance, I hate to read, but it was a challenge to myself. I haven't been in school for twenty years! The goal was to eliminate six months from my sentence. The ultimate prize upon completion of the program for me was expressing myself in class, through homework and in groups. I'll take experiences from the other guys and feedback from the instructor with me as I continue my journey in life. It's a good reminder to look back and reflect. (Spring 2003)

Reading accounts of other people's experience helped me put myself in their shoes and see what I might have done. I am not really sure if the readings were the secret. I think the discussions were. Hearing people's opinions on what they read helped me view things more clearly. Reading does change lives. It creates knowledge, and knowledge is power, even if it's just for yourself.

The course as a whole was a great course, if for nothing else but to get people to read and write, to expand their minds past everyday life. For me, it got me back to reading again. I almost felt like I was back in school, as I'm sure it did for my classmates. It also helped to see where people from different walks of life were coming from.

I don't know if it's a turning point, but to read about Frederick Douglass and how a little thing like reading and writing can so profoundly change someone's life, and how I take it so much for granted, makes you wonder what else I'm taking for granted, things like freedom. It will make me think my decisions through before I act on them." (Fall 2002)

Literature changes lives because it is a melody, or words in symphony. You can hear the music if you listen. (Fall 2002)

When I read about other people's experience, my own personal problems don't seem so bad. If I am going through some sort of difficulty in my life, and I read about someone who has overcome such circumstances in their life, I would feel a sort of comfort, knowing this ordeal can be overcome and also knowing I'm not the only one who has to face such problems. (Fall 2002)

Through the course of this program I've learned how to communicate with people a little better. It seems like before I came to this program I was going numb. I can't remember the last time I picked up a book to read it or even skim through it. I also have a better relationship with my girlfriend. I try to think about other people's feelings now. It just isn't about me any more. (Spring 2002)

The most important thing that I've learned is that I really can learn. All these years I've been thinking that I could not read or write. Here, look at me now! Reading and writing and spelling. And I know some of the things are going to be misspelled, but what really matters is that I keep trying my best. (Spring 2002)

Others that saw me taking this class seemed to envy me. I would read my homework while I was waiting to see my counselor or waiting for group. I had one hour on Tuesday morning and Thursday morning before going to counseling and group.

I've seen changes in this class, where others tried to help others.

Literature broadens my mind, and makes me think of all kinds of things I would like to do or even maybe do. But it does change lives, you start to intermingle with others and get to know them, your classmates, as a person, and some of the obstacles they have had to overcome.

I myself just like to know more and more. I used to never like to read because it was hard for me to read something and remember it. But now my mind is like glue - everything sticks. My memories go back to having gone through so many things. As you get older, the more you go through life and its experiences, the more you have the more you remember. The same goes for reading. (Spring 2002)

I can truly say I've gotten to know an armful of great men. Too bad I had to be arrested to be blessed with the opportunity to do so!

Reading changes lives because it opens our eyes to the struggle and hardships of others and assures us that things at home aren't that bad at all. (Fall 2001)

The last few months of my life I have been feeling depressed, alone, afraid, insecure of the path I need to follow to reach what I expect of my life. A chain reaction of unpleasant events has been taking place in my life, making my old-time dreams vanish. I have been feeling like falling down in a deep, scary, dark hole of uncertainties. Until I began reading and listening to real life stories of classmates. People who have been falling in the same hole, or sometimes an even deeper one. But today I see, read, and listen to their amazing comebacks, and that has motivated my thinking, my spirit, my emotions in the last few weeks, and I feel somehow re-energized, renewed, jovial. I feel like I have a second chance, a good life to live out there, just like the group of gentlemen in this class. If they have been in situations better, the same, and worse than mine, and they had the determination, the courage, to open their eyes widely and stop the "falling down syndrome," by realizing their wrong-doings and changing their ways for better, positive actions, I am as good as them, so I can do it!

This class helped me look at things differently by making me realize my wrong thinking, by helping me open to changes and by motivating me to say, Enough! I can be the best of myself!

Now, for the next year's program, I recommend the program to be a little bit longer!" (Fall 2001)

I really like this class. I think it's the best thing that the court has ever done. I find myself using this class when I'm on the street. Certain things that we read about. I encounter the same things and I think what that person did, and I add that with what I think. And most of the time I come out on top.

I'm also learning about things that black people did that I never knew, thanks to this class. Knowing is half the battle.

Another thing is, I've met white guys that I probably wouldn't have spoke to on the street, but being in this class and breaking off in groups, you get to meet and talk to them one-on-one. By being in small groups, you can get a better understanding of each man's view on life and other situations - black, white, Spanish, or what have you. (Spring 2001)

I don't know if there is one memorable thing or event that really sticks out in my mind, but I can tell you this: class has given me a sense of accomplishment. To be able to start and actually finish a project or course is a pretty good feeling. Hearing other people's ideas, problems, and opinions on stories the class has read has given me a better understanding on how people feel and think on certain issues.

The most important thing about this class was receiving my comments typed on paper every week. I looked forward every Tuesday for those typed comments on my papers. Your comments were always a positive approach, even when I wrote a negative type story, comment, or essay. (Spring 2001)

In the readings, I really could put certain situations in my life with the readings and approach them in different ways. It's like it gave me clear thoughts. When I started this class, I wasn't sure what the hell I was getting into. My probation officer recommended me. The only thing I like was the 6 month reduction. I'm not a very good writer, but I could read, because I done it before. I read all the stories. There is stuff I never heard before, or people I never knew about.

The readings are very good. I write all the time now, to a diary for my thoughts. I really appreciate what I took of the class. The best was reading the story to my five-year-old, and he'll ask me questions. (Fall 2000)

This class opened my eyes a little more to the fact that some people are all right. I tend to look at most people as jerks, losers, etc. I think that my attitude towards people is starting to soften up, kinda lighten up. That makes me feel good. It shows me that there is hope. There's light at the end of the tunnel. To me, to feel good about people - it's real important that I got that out of this class.

I don't know when or how, but I'm thankful for the spark that has been ignited.

First off, I would like to say that this program will do people some good. Depending on the individual, he might get more than reading literature. He could learn a lot from different kinds of nationality on how people see things from their perspective. Because a lot of people live different than others. But I must say it affected my life, and I know the rest of the class feels the same way. In the first couple of weeks we was talking about kids. And the next week I brought my kids here from N.Y. And now they're here again. I haven't seen them since last December of '98 because I was locked up. So to have them back in my life now is really good. Especially now, since they're getting older.

But every class I came to was a memorable one. 'Cause every class was on a next level from last week. And different experiences from people is cool to learn about too. But the most, I would have to say, is coming to UMass - well, the second thing. Because I mean just the idea of going to school now at 35 is strange. But at the same time, is cool too. Just to feel good about learning still. But, yeah, I wish I could continue coming here. But I can't. But shit, it felt good while it lasted. The bottom line is that I'm happy with my life, and proud to be who I am. 'Cause it ain't easy being me. (Spring 2000)

From the readings that we have read, I've been encouraged to be a stronger person, and not be afraid to take chances for positive reasons and things.

Since taking this course, I have went out and gained part-time employment. My wife looks at me in a different manner because she likes the fact that I have accomplished something by finishing this program, and that also makes me feel good. (Spring 2000)