When Miguel was incarcerated in 2004, he was determined to change his perspective on life. He is now aware of the thought process that brought him to prison, saying, “I bought into the lie. In our environment, we are taught, and we are led to believe, that we have to live a certain type of way because everyone around you shares basically a similar story to you. So, my train of thought was always like, ‘I got to do what everyone else is doing.’ It took me going to prison to realize that was a lie. I don't have to live like that.” Since then, Miguel has made a positive change and motivated others as well.
When Miguel was transferred to the South Bay Correctional and Rehabilitation Facility in Florida and enrolled in GEO’s Continuum of Care®, what inspired him to join the program? Another returning citizen who shared his own story about being released and the opportunities he created.
Since his release, Miguel has been working in construction, currently as an assistant foreman. He is now motivated to get to work, and every day he shows up an hour early and stays an hour late to make sure that everything is ready for the next day. His dedication, perseverance, and hard work have inspired others and have afforded him new opportunities to continue to learn and develop in his career path.
Last summer, GEO hosted our Continuum of Care® Annual Alumni picnic and acknowledged Miguel for the positive change he has made in his community, and the way he has inspired others.
When he received his award, he said to everyone, “It matters how many times you get up, not how many times you fall. You cannot be defined by what mistakes you've made in your path, or the opinion of others. What you want and decide for yourself is not only for yourself, but for your loved ones. I become the change in the world that I desire to be wherever I'm at.” His thoughtfulness and inspiration is what makes Miguel a game changer!
