“My name is Mary and I grew up in Redwood City, California. I knew little about the prison industry before attending Pitzer College. I remember attending the PEP orientation on a whim, but the experience sounded so unique I decided I wanted to give it a try. I remember the first trip as the most intimidating since I had never entered a prison. However, once inside, I was completely at ease. The men taking the class were perfect students, each raising hands to ask insightful questions, taking notes, holding eye contact, and clapping to thank us for our time. Each week, I worked harder to create a better class agenda, and each week a student would ask me a question that undoubtedly pushed me to think in a way I hadn’t before. I aced my classes that semester because I spent so much time thinking about the content. For our final class, we each wrote a goodbye letter to share with the students. One man stood up and told us that prior to this class, he never felt anyone cared and was going to go back to selling drugs once released. But our class reminded him that he matters, and he wanted to instead go back to school and learn all that he could. I had never had that type of impact on someone’s life before, and it has stuck with me to this day. I even went on to write my senior thesis on the experience of being released from prison and the many hurdles they face. I encourage everyone, even if you know nothing about prison, to take a chance and volunteer for PEP. It changed my life, and I know you will undoubtedly come out with more love, understanding, and awareness in your heart.”

– Mary – MBA Candidate at USC Marshall School of Business at University of Southern California