Isn’t it interesting how one opportunity opens the door to another?
Building on the work that began through Writing Behind Bars, I was invited by a college professor to facilitate workshops within several of his classes. What started in correctional spaces carried naturally into academic ones—where the same questions around identity, love, mental health, forgiveness, and personal responsibility were already present.
These college workshops created space for honest dialogue and reflection, meeting students where they were rather than speaking over them. The conversations were thoughtful, challenging, and unexpectedly powerful. While I couldn’t include every response shared that day, the reflections below offer a glimpse into how students experienced the work in their own words.
Student Reflections
Dear Cola
Thank you so much for coming today. You are a very strong woman. Thank you for sharing today, it's going to help many of us to heal and start to forgive others so we won't hurt ourselves.
Dear Cola
Thank you so much for coming today and sharing your story on life and forgiveness. Through your exercises it helped me in ways I never knew I needed and you have opened my eyes about life and what forgiveness can do for someone. I truly can't thank you enough for all that you've shared and done for us. We greatly appreciate it.
Dear Cola
I just wanted to thank you for sharing your story. A lot hit home for me and I got very emotional, you have changed my view on life and love and forgiveness. You are truly amazing and have made me want to better my relationships with others.
Hey Cola
Your story has given me open eyes and heart. Your story taught me self-perseverance and will forward a positive outlook on life from now on.
Everything you said was very beautiful and powerful. It helped me reflect on my own life and things that have occurred at home. Even though we have had very different paths and experiences we are both human. The things you have overcome are very inspirational to me. The things you do are very admirable. In this program we should strive to be more like you, forgiving, passionate and kind.
Dear Cola
I want to thank you for coming today. You are so inspirational and what really touched me was when you mentioned your son is a part of your identity. Thank you for getting me open minded about mental illness. With you being here today you're helping me find the true me and forgiveness
To Cola
I want to thank you so much for coming here today and speaking to us. Thank you for sharing you life, from the ups and downs. I believe you are truly changing lives with your story and great heart! You have definitely changed mine.