I grew up on Riverhead, Long Island, from 1962 through 1982 within a very loving and responsible household. Since 1982 I have been incarcerated in the NYS Department of Corrections.

As a child, I was happy and enthusiastic. However, in the course of my teenage development, a series of unfortunate changes occurred.

During my formative years, particularly the second year of high school, I was introduced to the addictive effects of alcohol and drugs. Gradually, life as I knew it changed. My once positive, caring and responsible support system (family, community and church) became my personal estrangement, while my peers, also disaffected substance abusing teens, became my dysfunctional support network.

At 19, my unmanageable and irresponsible lifestyle came to an end. My many poor choices culminated in my crime, a tragic event that is continually my source of unforgettable sorrow, remorse, guilt and shame. In August of 1982, I unintentionally killed a man during a fight. In return, due to my denial of accepting responsibility for my actions, I received a sentence of 25-years-to-life.

Early during my incarceration, I questioned myself as to why I was incarcerated. I struggled with the reality of my crime, of destroying the hopes and dreams of a young man's mother and father. When I finally came to terms with my crime, I experienced a major awakening.

Soon after accepting responsibility for my crime, I realized I needed to change and redeem my life. I decided upon an educational course of action that led to an Associate Degree in Business and later to a Bachelor Degree in psychology and sociology. After receiving my Bachelor Degree, I still wanted to do more with my life. In 1999, I was admitted to the Master of Professional Studies Program administered by the New York Theological Seminary. It was there that my spiritual life defined itself.

With many years of self-introspection, the benefit of education and a renewed faith, my life was transformed. Through remorse and humility, I have learned to become, once again, grateful, thoughtful, positive, kind, caring, generous, supportive and loving. I find joy in continually encouraging others to change their lives for the better, to live a good life even in the midst of their incarceration.

I have taken complete responsibility for my crime and the damaging life I once led. Furthermore, I believe that I am rehabilitated, ready to reenter society and contribute as a responsible citizen.

Incarceration History

EDUCATIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Masters of Professional Studies
New York Theological Seminary
Summa Cum Laude
Class of 2000

Bachelor of Arts Degree
Psychology/Sociology
State University of New York at New Paltz
Magna Cum Laude
Class of 1994

Associate in Applied Science Degree
Business
Cayuga Community College
Summa Cum Laude / Valedictorian
Class of 1991

Certifications

Certification in Apprenticeship Program (HIV & AIDS Counselor Aide)
New York State Department of Labor
December 1995

Certification in Apprenticeship Program (Pre-Parole Counselor Aide)
New York State Department of Labor
May 1993

EMPLOYMENT

• Maintenance Assistance (Grounds)
• Teacher's Aide/Clerk (Ministry Theology)
• Radio Production Manager
• Text Editor--Desktop Publisher Certified
• Theology Instructor (MPS)
• Library Clerk/Inter-Library Loan Manager
• Administrative Clerk (Volunteer Services)
• Aggression Replacement Training (A.R.T.) Facilitator
• Pre-Parole Counselor
• Mason's Assistant

VOLUNTEER WORK

• Secretary - Church Holy Name Society
• Various Food Drives
• Marathons - Tomorrow's Children's Fund
• Tutor - Bard College, GED preparation, English, Poetry, Sociology and study/test-taking skills
• Peer Counselor - PACE and ASAT

SPECIAL SKILLS

• Desktop publishing
• Tutoring/teaching
• Writing
• Administrative
• Clerical
• Gardening
• Wood work

COMMENDATIONS RECEIVED

Letters of commendation have been received from superintendents, supervisors, etc. They have been given for my participation in charitable events and gardening, as well as my work accomplishments throughout my incarceration.

RELEASE PLANS

Upon my return home to my wife, family and friends, I intend to be employed in a service-related field.

My primary desire is to become involved in social work/substance abuse counseling. A further year of studies at New York Theological Seminary will provide me with a counseling degree, thus laying the foundation for such counseling. As well, I am very interested in computers, bookkeeping and accounting.

I also plan to receive therapeutic counseling, both marital and individual (especially from support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous).

In Closing ....

At 44 years of age, more than half of my existence has been spent being shaped by the crime I committed. I accept full responsibility for my crime. Guilt, shame, remorse and sorrow have set me upon the course of redemptive and rehabilitative change. My examination of life, of the life and lives I destroyed, have been a journey of repentance, of redeeming myself in a manner that I truly believe is worthy of a second chance. Please write and support my release to parole supervision.

Thank you for your interest and time spent reviewing my profile.

Sincerely,
Shawn P. Eschert

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