As I walked up the stairs on September 21st, 2010, my 16-month-old daughter Honor stared at me from her car seat through the back window of the car. She was too young to understand that her mother was about to begin an 84-month sentence in a Federal Prison.

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While living in a diverse population of women, I studied and paid attention to everything around me. I wanted to figure out what can be done to help women once released so they don’t get themselves in this type of situation ever again. I wanted to take this opportunity to change who I was and be able to help other once I was released.

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After battling with my mind for a few years and all the challenges and obstacles that come with changing, I knew I was ready to leave my past and begin my new journey in life.

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I began taking classes that were offered and taught by other women within the prison, and I took on and did my best at any job that I could. I constantly had to keep my thoughts in check—I didn't want anything to interfere or distract me from moving forward.

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After months turned into years, I had my future planned: I would build trust in my community, go back to school, and start my own business mentoring women that are incarcerated. I would stay committed and true to myself. I would be the walking truth.