On Friday, I had the privilege of attending the Fifth Annual Parole Summit at Otisville Correctional Facility. It was the first time students were allowed to go and I wish more students were able to partake in this experience. It was an incredibly rewarding experience and I'm so thankful I was able to attend.

It was different than the previous prison trips I attended. We had to provide our licenses at the gate before even entering the facility. Once inside, the only way for the doors to open was for a guard to press some button. We were able to open and close the doors once they unlocked them.

All of the inmates were thrilled to see us and most introduced themselves to us. Throughout the day, they constantly checked in on us, making sure we were all good. When I thought about what it would be like to lose my freedom, I couldn't imagine it.

Some of the men shared their stories and offered advice to us. Even though we were strangers, they wanted to help us stay on the right track. A lot of the guys there were emphasizing staying in school.

Almost all the guys there have been there 25 years and have been denied parole seven, eight, nine, ten times at least. One guy was from Jamaica and told us that after inmates serve 25 years, ICE can then deport you. He told us he has served 25 years and one day, so now for the next two years he has to worry about them coming after him.

I learned a lot from the experience and made connections with other professionals in the corrections field. Despite my housemates thinking I'm crazy for actually being excited to go to prison, I know they support me 100%. I'm beyond excited to see what my future holds in the corrections field.