Jonathan’s story: “I have education to thank for my family’s pride in me”

Gilbert, Jonathan

Abstract

Jonathan discusses how his re-engagement with education whilst in prison provided him with a unique second chance:
"I have education to thank for the pride my family have in me. Education has been my companion on my prison journey, a surprising companion in a way. After all, I had a good education growing up, unlike the vast majority of prisoners. I attended university, passed the Law Society Finals, and for a time became a successful solicitor. I had life chances that so many in society do not, especially those who pass through prison gates, and I recklessly squandered them...I have education to thank for the pride my family have in me. Education has been my companion on my prison journey, a surprising companion in a way. After all, I had a good education growing up, unlike the vast majority of prisoners. I attended university, passed the Law Society Finals, and for a time became a successful solicitor. I had life chances that so many in society do not, especially those who pass through prison gates, and I recklessly squandered them...It was my re-engagement with education that provided the turning point in my prison journey..."

• Digital Artefact Type: Blog Post
• Acceptance Date: Feb 26, 2021
• Online Publication Date: Mar 24, 2021
• Publication Date: Mar 24, 2021
• Deposit Date: Sep 12, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Sep 12, 2024
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/12885004
• External URL: http://prisonerseducation.org.uk/story/jonathans-story-i-have-education-to-thank-for-my-familys-pride-in-me/