“Diversity is the one true thing we all have in common.” –Winston Churchill

Inside of these walls are a bunch of men from all walks of life. Men of different races, careers, family dynamics, financial situations, strengths, struggles, pasts, and goals. Yet, we all have one very clear thing in common. Aside from being in prison camp, the men here (including myself) have been hard labeled as “bad guys”, "criminals", and "felons" by society, the government, and sometimes themselves because of a mistake or poor decision. However, inside of these walls is where I’ve seen labels dissipate and humanity and humility come alive.

I don't see bad guys in here. I don’t see criminals or felons. I see men that are kind, generous, respectful, and supportive. I see comedians, friends, fathers, brothers, engineers, teachers, and writers. I see men confront problems with one another head-on, respectfully discussing their issues and differences. I see men genuinely apologizing for misunderstandings. I see good, hardworking men fighting like hell to get back to their families, employment, and normality. I see men who will be my friends and potentially colleagues when we return to life outside of these walls.

Without this experience, I’m not sure I would have been so bluntly exposed to seeing and appreciating how different we all are. This experience has shown me how people from incredibly different backgrounds and ways of life have so much in common. It’s also been a reminder that differences shouldn’t drive people towards separation and segregation. They should, in fact, bring us closer and make us stronger. Our differences should challenge us to embrace people for who they are and what they’re striving for – not the color of their skin, what they enjoy, how much money they have, the decisions they make, or what they did yesterday or 20 years ago. It’s that simple.

This experience has been a reminder to practice grace and respect towards those I cross paths with. It’s been a solid reminder not to judge a book by its cover. It’s been so humbling. We all have love, despair, fears, and hopes. We all just look, talk, and act a little differently. We are all just humans, trying our best.