• Days since my release from 26 years in prison: 116
• Miles run today: 12
• Miles run this week: 20
• Miles run during the calendar month: 20
• Marathon distances completed: 12
• Weight: 167

Journal of activities:

I’m in communication with a producer from PBS about filming implementation of The Straight-A Guide inside the Santa Clara County Juvenile Hall. The producer, Merrill Schwerin, wants to film a series of programs about innovative violence prevention efforts. I spoke about the interest from PBS with Dr. Angela Haick, principal of the Osborne School at Santa Clara County. She recognized the value associated with bringing more awareness to the courageous investment she and her team are making to work with me. Rather than judging me for the bad decisions I made during a reckless transition between my youth and adulthood, she has agreed to mine the value out of messages I am uniquely qualified to deliver to the young offenders. Many of them face decades in prison, and the decisions they make today will have a direct influence on how they emerge.

Next Wednesday, December 11, I’ll spend the day at the Santa Clara County Juvenile Hall. In the morning I’m scheduled to work with the first group of offenders; in the afternoon I’ll begin training the facilitators who will use our Straight-A Guide life skills program. I’ll leave my house at 4:30 am in order to make sure that I arrive on time in San Jose on time. Training will begin in San Jose at 8:00 am, but I’ll arrive early enough to stop at a coffee shop, organize my materials and thoughts. I’m very enthusiastic about this opportunity to show others how to live as if they’re the change that they want to see in the world. It is a tribute I can give to Nelson Mandela, a man who inspired me through the 26 years that I served in prison.