A Homecoming at Yankee Stadium!
Commencement Day at Yankee Stadium, NY. 2024.
The interesting thing about the place where graduation happened is that about 20 minutes north of Yankee Stadium, I started my reentry journey at Ignacio House of Studies. Once I enrolled at NYU, I would frequently pass by 161st Street and Yankee Stadium station on the 4 train, traveling back and forth to campus. This route became a significant part of my daily life, linking my past struggles to my present achievements and reminding me of how far I have come. Because of this, my class of 2024 graduation felt like a homecoming—a familiar moment of coming into my own four years after my release from incarceration.
Fourteen years ago, I struggled to get my GED, having to take the test twice. At that time, I could never have imagined that that small achievement, being serious about getting my GED, would unlock the present I am living or bring me closer to the future I currently aspire to. Simply wanting to learn set me on a transformative path!
Graduation day, Thursday morning, May 16, 2024.
Having my mother present at graduation deepened the meaning of this pivotal moment in my life. I never really had anything meaningful to share with her. And I dreamed of how the remaining chapters of my life will be composed of these moments, much like graduation, that reflect who I truly am and how far I’ve come—starting with community at the former Ignacio House in the Bronx and circling back all the way back to Yankee Stadium to officially complete to mission!
Another thing that felt familiar about graduation was the fear. Beneath all the excitement and relief of completing my degree, there was a mild but deep fear for "what's next?" I remember feeling something similar the moments before I was released from prison after 13 years. At that time, my life was centered around rehabilitation, change, making myself a better person, growing, achieving a transformed life, and working to prove that I’m fit for society. I rarely think about anything else.
But now, as I stand at the cusp of a new chapter, I find myself questioning what the next 10 years of my life will look like. Am I forever tied to this way of living, always working to prove that I’m fit for society? Or can I finally transition to working to prove that I am a good artist, scholar, storyteller, filmmaker, and photographer?
As I reflect on my journey, looking back to when I studied in a cell, to when I transitioned to studying in my room to celebrating the work and completion of my studies at Yankee Stadium, these moments collectively form my sense of being. I gave school my time and it gave me life-changing experiences.
Now, as I face the future, I aim to transition from proving my fitness for society to showcasing my artistic talents and serving others in my efforts, demonstrating that I am not just a good person but also a good brother, leader, artist, storyteller, filmmaker, photographer, and who knows what else!
As I move forward, I carry with me the lessons learned, the fears faced, and the unyielding spirit of growth and self-discovery.
