Second Chances
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
The seasons have changed so many times right in front of my eyes. From the Kosciusko County Jail to the depths of hell is Westville Correctional where everyday you wake up you are not promised to go back to sleep alive.
It took four disturbing years out of my life to do the impossible but it happened. I have changed. I didn't think that I needed to change back in 2007, but once I felt the reality of life in prison I knew it was time. I once asked the community to accept me back and forgive me for my actions. I see now that in the society we live in second chances are nearly impossible to receive, you must fight for it, like Michael Vick, and show the ones who are in doubt how to sit back and relax. I at one time didn't believe in myself when many people did. Now I believe in myself when no one but a select few believe in my struggle.
The story of prison is a real-life nightmare, and many parents out there who have troubled teens probably would like their child to know what awaits at the end of their destructive paths, if they don't straighten up now. I have the story memorized in the back of my mind like an internal scar. What I've seen, the pain I've felt, and the many nights I've cried, all linger even now after being released from the darker side of incarceration.
Now the reason I'm once again using the great Times-Union as a source to send my message is this: I'm ready to give back. Remember, I'm only human and I want the chance to make mends to my loved ones and community. The ones that matter to me and the youth that have no direction, but want some guidance.
I believe that my plans to speak to local schools will start outside the county boundaries and slowly work back to the land of the Tigers. My plans to help are not to prove anything to anyone because the ones that I care for already know that this change is real. I'm not wasting my time trying to prove myself to anyone, I just want to create a link that may help families prevent future destruction in their child's life. I will have a website in May 2011 that will give parents an opportunity to ask questions and receive advice from me, as well as possible meetings with me on a one-on-one with your child.
Once again, I'm sorry about my offenses but honestly, how many real criminals apologize to their community? Who cares, right? I can't stress my remorse anymore because truly I'm over what I've done. Mistakes don't dictate who I truly am as a person, but I do want ones to know that the transformation has already happened. No ropes can pull me back in to my old ways or take me away from society again.
One thing I learned in prison from my 63-year-old roommate, he told me that "a man learns from his mistake and moves on, while a coward dwells in the past." I never thought this day would come but it's here and this time I'm ready. Thanks Times-Union for your support. God Bless.
Antonio A. Castillo
Columbia City
Editor's Note: This letter was edited to conform more closely to the 500-word limit stated in our "Letters Policy."[[In-content Ad]]
The seasons have changed so many times right in front of my eyes. From the Kosciusko County Jail to the depths of hell is Westville Correctional where everyday you wake up you are not promised to go back to sleep alive.
It took four disturbing years out of my life to do the impossible but it happened. I have changed. I didn't think that I needed to change back in 2007, but once I felt the reality of life in prison I knew it was time. I once asked the community to accept me back and forgive me for my actions. I see now that in the society we live in second chances are nearly impossible to receive, you must fight for it, like Michael Vick, and show the ones who are in doubt how to sit back and relax. I at one time didn't believe in myself when many people did. Now I believe in myself when no one but a select few believe in my struggle.
The story of prison is a real-life nightmare, and many parents out there who have troubled teens probably would like their child to know what awaits at the end of their destructive paths, if they don't straighten up now. I have the story memorized in the back of my mind like an internal scar. What I've seen, the pain I've felt, and the many nights I've cried, all linger even now after being released from the darker side of incarceration.
Now the reason I'm once again using the great Times-Union as a source to send my message is this: I'm ready to give back. Remember, I'm only human and I want the chance to make mends to my loved ones and community. The ones that matter to me and the youth that have no direction, but want some guidance.
I believe that my plans to speak to local schools will start outside the county boundaries and slowly work back to the land of the Tigers. My plans to help are not to prove anything to anyone because the ones that I care for already know that this change is real. I'm not wasting my time trying to prove myself to anyone, I just want to create a link that may help families prevent future destruction in their child's life. I will have a website in May 2011 that will give parents an opportunity to ask questions and receive advice from me, as well as possible meetings with me on a one-on-one with your child.
Once again, I'm sorry about my offenses but honestly, how many real criminals apologize to their community? Who cares, right? I can't stress my remorse anymore because truly I'm over what I've done. Mistakes don't dictate who I truly am as a person, but I do want ones to know that the transformation has already happened. No ropes can pull me back in to my old ways or take me away from society again.
One thing I learned in prison from my 63-year-old roommate, he told me that "a man learns from his mistake and moves on, while a coward dwells in the past." I never thought this day would come but it's here and this time I'm ready. Thanks Times-Union for your support. God Bless.
Antonio A. Castillo
Columbia City
Editor's Note: This letter was edited to conform more closely to the 500-word limit stated in our "Letters Policy."[[In-content Ad]]
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