Student Highlights: Christopher Turner
The following story was provided by Diane Alejandro, Project Director at Kern Valley State Prison:
“I would like to tell you about a former student/peer mentor, Mr. Christopher Turner who was in our program at Kern Valley State Prison from 4/28/18 and completed on 11/1/18. Christopher then became a peer mentor from 11/4/18 thru 10/11/19. He did a great job while working for the program. He paroled on 10/20/19. He then went to Amistad in Los Angeles. While in the program, he was a role model to his peers and he worked well with all faculty. Here is the correspondence he had with his transitional counselor, Ms. Belinda Phillips. As you can see, he has been in touch throughout the years and kept us apprised of his successes throughout his life”:
From: Christopher Turner
To: Phillips, Belinda@CDCR
Subject: Update
Hello to you and all the staff,
I was at home and was reflecting about my progress in life and instantly I began thinking about all the staff in the program that helped find myself and see myself in a different light. So I wanted to write a update email. I’ve truly been blessed in my journey with a clarity and drive that has propelled me to grow into a man of character, morals and values. Currently I’m about to get off parole next month, I go take my commercial driving test on November 9th, I just got a new car and nice one bedroom apartment. Me and my wife are expecting a baby boy come January. Our daughter unfortunately passed away a still born at 38 weeks into our first pregnancy. That was hard but we made it though that difficult time together. I’ve been blessed to be in a position of helping people see how to better themselves. Recently I just gave my first speech at a awards show honoring entrepreneurs, artist, musicians and philanthropist. But I’ve been doing good still applying all those lessons from class and adding some new skill steps to my arsenal. I am so happy about the growth and steps I’m taking for myself and family. I just truly felt compelled to reach out and update you all on my progress. It works only if you truly believe in yourself change is what you want. I wish you all great energy and positive health as I conclude.
From: Christopher Turner
To: Phillips, Belinda@CDCR
Subject: Happy holidays update
Hello to you and all the staff,
From my family to you all happy holidays. I wanted to take the time to write and let you all know I finally got my first job in the trucking industry. I am currently on my way home from going to Yreka, CA from dropping off my first load as a driver. I got to drive mount Shasta, the grapevine and cajon pass in bad weather. But I did good and made it passed all my training. So now I will have my own dedicated account delivering GM parts across California. Also we are about 1 month away from our little baby boy coming home so I’m excited about that. I must say I just look back sometimes and can’t believe all the progress I have made since coming home. But I just stayed committed to the road map I laid out for myself. Almost every goal I wrote in my journal I have accomplished. Now I’m working on a new goal of buying my own truck and launching my own company. I’m currently in the process of getting my LLC done. and buying some property. Start building something for my next generation. But I wanted to take the time just to let you all know I’m still going and building a good life and foundation for myself and family. Happy holidays to you all.
From: Christopher Turner
To: Phillips, Belinda@CDCR
Subject: Update
Hello Ms. Belinda and staff,
I found myself with a little time on my hand and wanted to reach out to you all. To update you about myself, I’ve been good just embracing all the changes to my life one day at a time. First my little son Matthew came into the world in January. So I am so pumped he is everything I could have expected. He has a lot of energy. But truly love at first sight. Just learning how to be a dad has been a incredible journey for me. I feel so blessed. Beside my baby boy I’ve just been putting in work driving trucks. I just got a new job I start on Monday. Which pays more and will allow me to purchase a home on a accelerated pace. But for the most part I’ve just been trying to keep a good work life balance and continue to learn every step of the way. I pray that you are all doing well. I leave by sharing some pictures. Until next time.
From: Christopher Turner
To: Phillips, Belinda@CDCR
Subject: Update
Hello Ms. Belinda and fellow staff,
I was up after work and just felt compelled to write a update to you all. Hopefully everyone is in good health and spirits. As for me I’m continuing my progress and living life. Working, taking care of my family and just trying to continue to grow. I am still driving trucks and I love it. Money is really good but I think I am going to enroll in college to get some more skills in different areas. I want to be versatile in what I’m able to do and know. As for the family we are all good. Wife is doing great as well as Matthew. Plus some good news we are expecting a new baby early next year. So the family will be just a little bit bigger. As far as goals I am currently just trying to buy my first house next year 2023 and potentially my own truck as well. So I’m really just humble about where I’m at and excited about where I’m going. With that said I say goodbye for now and leave you all with some pictures. Take care.
