Page 29 - October 2019

idea of starting over, wiping the slate clean, and
making right choices. For as much as I joke about

prison—I deserved to be there. I put myself there
hurting many in the process. But I knew that if
I wanted to get out and stay out I had to change.
In 2012, I got my chance.

Now I am able to return to a Toastmasters
club—from the outside—and share my success
with those still inside. When I was doing time
I would see guys come back with new charges

and more time. Rarely did I see anyone come
back as a volunteer. Too often we got the stories
of failure and crime, not stories of success and
empowerment. I am deeply appreciative of the

volunteers who helped start Tabula Rasa. And
now I can lend a hand to help guys on the inside
see that there is success and achievement on the
outside. I know how easy it would be to go back

with new charges and become a ghost in the
halls. Instead I chose to visit the haunted house.
Maybe my story will help someone who needs it.
If you want to be part of a life-changing

opportunity, volunteer to go inside a prison
Toastmasters club and see if you come out the
same person. Odds are good that it will change
you. I know how much I changed (and I had to

go back to a prison cell!). If interested, send me
an email at wantzjames@gmail.com

VOICES! | OCTOBER 2019 29