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In their own words, the Fellows reflect on the impact the

T.R.U.S.T. Program has had on them. 

 

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“I learned that being mindful of my words does have an impact on how well I get along with people. I also learned that my emotions, feelings, and attitude changed in a positive way that made me feel good about myself being able to realize that being mindful of my words led me to develop a new way of thinking.”

 

 “I notice my pattern changes when I’m on the yard, with my peers, and when I’m around staff, officers and volunteers, it also changes. Instead of being polite and respectful to certain individuals, I should practice politeness all the time. I learned that observing my speech is necessary for personal growth and developing character.”

 

“It seems it’s easier for me to talk about other people who aren’t there, because there’s no argument from them. Also, I’m beginning to see how wrong it is and disrespectful to everyone.”

 

“...some harsh words [from parents] that I can still remember...hurt more than their occasional physical punishment...those words impacted me and gave me an excuse to be rebellious and go into negative ways of life. Words are powerful and have a lasting effect.”

 

“...I’m becoming more aware of the difference between my intention and the impact of my words. I rarely considered the actual results of my words, and how they may land on other people.”

 

"My father had no elementary schooling but he was a very smart man. 'Don't say to yourself you can't do it.' With this in mind,I carried this with me."

 

 “I said some things I shouldn’t have said. I truly am sorry for that remark. But I do understand that at that time, I didn’t care about no one but myself. As of today? I have respect for all humans now.”

 

 On the Power of speech: “I remember when my mother would tell me not to hang around those  kids! Time went by, she was right. We ended up in prison.”

 

Power of speech: “When I was a kid, I remember my Dad would tell me that white people did not care about black people, so growing up I always felt that white people was out to do me some harm. I grew up in an all-black neighborhood, nearby, there were lots of white people who were nice to me, but for years I always kept my guard up.”

 

“I was struggling with being denied by the board after putting in all the hard work. I wanted to give up. But thank God, the guys around me said the right words to uplift my spirits. I know that things happen for a reason. Now I am a better person today than I was yesterday.”

 

“When I was 7 my foster mom would tell me that if my birth mom didn't love me”, no one would ever love me. Those words infected me in such a way that I grew up believing them.” 

 

" My Great grandfather would remind me "you would care little about what people thought of you, when you realize how little people thought about you."

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