Student Stories
MacKenzie K.
“I wanted to stop, but nothing was actually going to help me stop using drugs: not losing my job, my family, or even overdosing and almost losing my life. I didn’t care about anyone, anything, or myself. Just drugs.”
Jake P.
“Within the shadowy depths of this institution… Loneliness has vanquished the presence of hope inside our hearts. Among this deficiency of hope we wander purposelessly, and any man who lacks purpose will never find peace.”
Incarcerated Student Testimonials
ES.9114 Nonviolence As a Way of Life
“The inside/out class helps by making me feel a sense of normalcy.” -MCI Norfolk, Anonymous
“This course has affected my actions, motives and views of life, and now I can do better to bring peace not just for myself but to others as well.” -MCI Norfolk, William D.
“Our environment often pushes a person into isolation. The walls do as good a job keeping people out as they do keeping people in... During our penultimate class, I talked in our small group about envisioning a system where prisoners were as much a part of our communities as parishioners and students. The inside/out courses are a step that seeks to bridge the free world with the incarcerated world.” -MCI Norfolk, James K.
“Non-violence in a prison setting seems quite utopian. Yet for those of us who wish to be held accountable, it is not far-fetched. I must express my heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Perlman and the MIT students...your patience, insight and unwavering support gives many of us a sense of humanity and validation.” -MCI Norfolk, J.R.C.
Brave Behind Bars: Introduction to Web Design
"This course showed me that I can do whatever I set out to do no matter how difficult it might seem." -Anonymous.
"I realized I CAN do it as uncomfortable as I thought it was. It helped me believe in myself and my abilities." -Anonymous.
"I feel like I have a whole new area of jobs that I am qualified for and that is a wonderful new insight.” -Anonymous.
"Before I realized it I had my own website that I coded, built, and designed myself." -Anonymous.
"This course gave me a change of heart and a lot more confidence to use these new skills in my career." -Anonymous.
"This is an amazing course to take if you are trying to make a social impact on a subject that means anything to you." -Anonymous.
MIT Student Testimonials
ES.9114 Nonviolence As a Way of Life
“I’m not sure what I expected when I registered to take a class in prison. I thought it would be interesting to talk and interact with new people and in a new environment, but this class was so much more than that. This class taught me a lot about prison and the stories and lives behind some of the men in prison, but it taught me a great deal more about myself — what I value and what I intend to do based on those values.” -Leanne G.
“This course has given me a lot to reflect upon about philosophy, the criminal justice system, and my own upbringing and life, walking away with a deeper understanding of the philosophy behind non-violent communication, forgiveness, honesty, conflict resolution and restorative justice (among the other topics discussed over the course of the semester). I have a deeper understanding of some of the experiences of people who live very different lives than I do.” -Carly M.
“[This course] was one of the most life-changing and influential opportunities I have ever had. It was an experience unlike any other. Although I have always supported rehabilitation in prisons, as I know many others do, it is hard to fully understand what that means [until getting to know incarcerated people]. It is too easy to dismiss prisoners as just an unfortunate societal statistic without feeling true sympathy or understanding.” -Eva L.