Welcome to the Academy

First three days I pushed paper, heard lecture after lecture, and signed my life away. This is the first step ten of us took into the Department of Corrections at one of the largest prisons in the southern United States. We eventually toured the facility and even got to see the segregation ward--the worst of the worst--where death row and solitary time is served.

This is a new beginning--a new opportunity with lots of potential. I will make the most of it and work hard each day. I can hardly wait!

Finally the first day of uniform came. We were paired off and split up into small groups. I heard segregation, the solitary confinement or detention cells (also where death row inmates go)--was the place to learn the most and advance quickly. Naturally, this is where I decided I wanted to be. It seems I need to be with the hardest, most difficult inmates--maybe to prove something. Just so I know for sure: "Hey--I can do this!"
On the second day of uniform, Friday, we were required to report for night shift to observe the nightly duties and functions. My third day in segregation, second day working there. We're required to wear safety glasses because inmates throw feces and urine--even ejaculate at officers. I have a new nickname: "cracker motherfucker."

Sunday we head to "the Academy." We will have a lot more ahead of us--text book work and physical training exercises (PT). It will be really tough, but I'm not worried--"I got this!"

Note: This is the introduction to a series based on my training for the next five weeks. Stay tuned for more!