UTAH STATE CORRECTIONAL FACILITY—It was not a typical graduation ceremony that was held on Monday morning, Feb. 9. Instead of a stadium or college the graduates and their families were within the walls of the prison. Incarcerated men and women shook hands with Davis Technical College instructors and administrators and received their certificates of completion from their respective programs.

“This is more than a celebration,” said Davis Tech President Darin Brush. “It’s a milestone that marks your persistence and a celebration of your commitment. We celebrate your success – we’re here for you.”

To learn and grow is not easy, he said. “It’s not a single moment, it’s what you choose to do next. Choose to have hope. We’re proud of you.”

“I’ve had the opportunity to become employable,” said Michael Hansen, a student in the Automotive Technology program. “I’ve spent 19 years incarcerated. Now I’ve put in over 61 clock hours (in the program) and have a 3.69 GPA. I’ve gained respect in the process. What’s far more important than a career is building my identity.”

Dan Powers, Director of Rehabilitative Programs at Davis Technical College, helped him gain the confidence he needed, said Hansen. “He helped me get a job offer before I was released. He didn’t look at me like I was just an inmate but someone who could contribute something meaningful to society. But I ended up returning to prison.”

Hansen said he felt like he’d let Powers down. “Dan walked me back into the program. It’s his loyalty that I’ll never forget.”

Hansen said he’s dealt with substance abuse for years. “There were a lot of wasted opportunities. My family gave me second and third chances and endured the hell I put them through. With the Davis Tech recovery resource I’m ready to return to society. My fellow graduates, it’s not an easy road as inmates. It’s part of my journey and thanks for allowing me to be part of yours.” 

“I never thought I’d be in a correctional facility,” said Web and Graphic Design & Automation Technology student Lindsay Bringhurst. “I didn’t think it was possible. My parents have stood with me even though I tried to push them away, they’re still here.”

People always ask kids what they want to be when they grow up, she said. “They say a doctor, teacher, etc. No one wanted to be in prison reduced to a number. I went to college but I was not motivated.”

Bringhurst said her teacher gave her a second chance but she flunked again. “I had no idea what I wanted to do. The decisions I made led me down this path. I had two options, sit and do nothing about the emotional and physical pain I caused or prove everyone wrong and get into school.”

The first day of instruction the teacher talked about “felon friendly” employers, she said. “I realized that was going to be a reality but I found my passion in this program. It’s something I could see myself doing for a long time.”

Student Jacob Selin performed an original poem about his experiences with incarceration. “I am in a substance abuse program,” he said. “I write about recovery to express myself. It's something I believe I can do. I discovered the talent while I was in prison.”

Bringhurst told the other graduates that it’s never too late to find their passion and purpose. “I'm trying my best,” she said. “I’m a better version of myself than yesterday. I’m healing in the UDC (Utah Department of Corrections). I’m not only making myself proud but my family proud. I’m not just a statistic. I’m not just a number.”