Comments on: Interview: Life After Rikers Island

By: Cash

Cash — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 06:53:37 +0000

Yo So when u 1st got to rikers wat happened?

By: Sheirin

Sheirin — Mon, 11 May 2009 19:48:32 +0000

Wow, an impressive story. I’m glad that you have changed and are determined to get ahead in life. I think that troubled teenagers and others in prison need to be reminded that although they have done bad things in their past, there is always room for change. The most important thing is wanting to make those changes for yourself, and you really seem determined to get ahead in life. Good luck with marine biology. That is an impressive career and one that requires a lot, but I think it’ll pay off in the end.

By: Gary Palacios

Gary Palacios — Mon, 11 May 2009 19:22:47 +0000

This was a great back to back interview. I enjoyed every response from John because it was straightforward and thorough. He mentioned all the little questions people fear to ask an ex inmate which I thought was excellent. For instance he answers the “dropping the soap” idea and clarifies what really happens in there. John gave great feedback in how everyday life rolls in Rikers from gangs fighting, to who holds the power, to who ultimately survives in sense of rationale.

By: Palina

Palina — Mon, 11 May 2009 02:45:17 +0000

It is sad that this bright kid didn’t have the chance to finish his school and go to the college. If he tells us that he went to school because it “was all love,” plus he “used to get incredible grades,” it shows us that he could achieve a lot. Unfortunately, because of the bad influence of the people he was surrounded by, he went to jail.
I like the way John analyzes his life. He understands that he needs “to get [his] life together before it’s to late.” And I wish him the biggest luck.
I agree with James, it was a good idea to write the essay in the form of dialogue because it makes the essay more genuine. The use of slang also makes the story more truthful. Writing my essays, I always avoided the slang, but I can actually see that sometimes it is a big plus for a work.
Thank you Edwin for your real essay!!!

By: Rhondon Charles

Rhondon Charles — Sat, 09 May 2009 19:36:39 +0000

Another story that hits home! Although I have never been arrested, I have had my share of scares growing up in the “hood”. South Jamaica Queens to be exact. I know that we are influenced by our communities and the people we are surrounded by, but I chose to go a different route. I didn’t want to be another statistic with a brain of Einstein that wasted his life! Thanks to your friend I feel proud to know that there are others out ther that are taking the same path!

By: Felisha

Felisha — Thu, 07 May 2009 16:08:25 +0000

This is a really great essay, especially since it gave many readers a new perspective on people in these situations. Many people make mistakes, but people tend to overlook this and judge those who have been locked up thinking that they are bad people. Many people assume that these individuals are at fault, but bad things can happen to the best of us. It’s really great that he’s determined to get his life back on the right track and he learned a great deal from this experience. It’s also very inspiring because it reminds us that it’s never to late to start over as long as you are willing to make the effort.