“This is an update on the effects of the program in relation to my mental status thus far. Others in my class may’ve experienced this already, or not. I may be early into this development, or late. Nonetheless, I’ve recently started experiencing something so profound that the act of putting it into words seems to reduce the greatness of it all. I fear it will leave it sounding simplistic and you wondering why I even bothered to write this letter.
The parameters of my mind have expanded so much so that I now see my prior view of the world was muted, the sounds drowned out by useless static and seen at best through cataracts glossed over by idle time and a life lost. Everything is coming together now, as each class stacks wonderfully, complimenting the one before it. I never would’ve known the things that now occur to me so innocuously, were it not for this program. Now I see color; I see mechanisms and disciplines, science and beauty where before there was only shades of grey. Critical analysis and ‘aha’ moments have become the norm in a mind where they were before unheard of. Not only have you facilitated discovery for me, but you’ve given me the means to become the discoverer. It is awesome in every sense of the word. I am so utterly thankful for this education and no thanks will ever be adequate for a gift such as this. May my life serve it well.”
Student from the class of 2019
“Life University has changed my life. When I first entered this school, I was searching for a way to make a difference in the world around me because my daughter had been shot and I knew that I needed to do something. I could not just sit and do nothing. Life University offered me the opportunity to be the change that I needed to see in the world. I also was able to teach my daughter some of the practices that was drawn upon in the Compassion Integrity Training class. My daughter suffered from PTSD and in me sharing my knowledge with her she now holds a group with other teenagers like herself who experienced trauma. So, not only is Life University helping me, it is helping my daughter as well. I would not trade this experience for nothing in the world.”
Student from the class of 2020
“I am a first year student in the Life University program here at Arrendale. I want to express my sheer appreciation for the trickledown effect this program has had on my family. For over five years I have been encouraging my 25-year-old daughter to go to college. I have impressed on her that education is something that no one can ever take away from you and the benefits will last a lifetime. I have been sharing my college experience with her. She has subsequently enrolled in college on her own. I am so grateful for this life changing program. It is true that when one person in a family goes to college it changes the course for the whole family. I feel that my grandchildren and their children throughout the generations will reap the benefits of this college education.”
Student from the Class of 2020
“As a black transgender man and convicted violent felon, the opportunity to have access to higher education based on Positive Human Development and Social Change has been a profound experience. I had given up hope that I would be granted equal life chances because I felt as if my life did not matter. Through the course curriculum I have come to realize how the systems of society are constructed while developing a set of skills that will equip me with creatively applying solutions to social issues. I aspire to be an advocate for the LGBTQ community and incarcerated women in order to give a voice and a face for those who have been isolated, marginalized, and ousted by society. The AA degree that I am receiving from Life University has provided me with the courage, resources, and education that I need to fight for social justice.”
Student from the class of 2020
“The phenomenal powerful impact to be involved with Life University has been an experience that I would love to continue throughout my life, and the many lives that I may come in contact with. The Chillon Project has given my life new meaning by allowing myself and others to achieve higher education, and to explore many different avenues. I am able to be a refined role model for my children because they can deflate the circumstances that landed their mother in prison, and amplify the fact that I am using this time wisely to develop for the better good. We are able to come together to create meaningful ideas to be pushed into the world. You have a sense of making a difference in the community and the world we live in today. I am not only a role model to my children, but to the other women that spend time here as well. I always encourage them to join, and be a part of something that is so great.”
Student from the class of 2020
“Recently I learned the literal definition of education. It is derived from the Latin word educere, which means to lead out of. This new definition led me to think deeply about the role and importance of education. Furthermore, it helped me to fully appreciate the life changing gift that I received by being allowed to obtain my Associates of Arts degree in Positive Human Development and Social Change. In my opinion, the role of education is to awaken the student and teacher to a higher level of consciousness. Education should challenge present structures that oppress, exclude and harm people. It should lead one out of the ignorance of the status quo and enable learners to not only understand society, but to critique it and change it. Education is a liberator for it makes us conscious of the systems (whether abstract or concrete) that enslave us, and it encourages us to be pioneers in the field of social change. Life University has successfully done that and taught me that the goal is not simply to change policies and laws, but to change hearts. That focus has to be self and other concentrated for it be effective and sustainable.
This education has liberated me. I am no longer a prisoner to my ignorance or the ideologies taught by culture and society. Though physically incarcerated, I am free. I am freer than I have ever been in my life. My life truly began when I was accepted into Life University. Life University has given me a newfound purpose. I aspire to give my life to things that matter, for I know how it feels when the structures of society do not support your life. I know that social change can be considered a difficult and lofty idea, but it is the most important work of one’s life and to have a degree focused on such is the most valuable gem in this world.”
Thank you.”
Student from the class of 2019
