Personal Statement

The presence of God is evident in all that surrounds us. In the air we breathe; In the water we drink; In the magnificent universe which holds it all together; Truly, a higher power exist. It exists in the various animals the once roamed throughout the land. From the small insect that crawls on its belly for a period of time, then makes a metamorphosis into a beautiful butterfly. To the most intelligent of all creation which walks on two feet. I have also made a metamorphosis into something beautiful, and into something God felt worth saving. Moreover, my transformation was made possibly through education. Ultimately, it has changed my life forever. However, my love for education was not always that serious. During the early years of my upbringing, education played an insignificant role in my life. In fact, it became an institutional incubator which smothered me instead of nurturing my development towards higher learning. Consequently, I became blinded by the glitter and glamour of a lifestyle filled with bad choices.

As a child, the word school echoed in my ears like a marching band’s brass section blaring its instruments at a local football game. I never really understood the importance of why my mom woke me up for school each day of the week. She performed her responsibility like clockwork; As if it was a paying job. Although she made sure I attended school, the relevance of education or why I was there, supposingly to build a foundation for my future, was the furthest thing from my mind. The importance of education while living in Fort Green projects was a misnomer for me. What was more of an interest was my involvement with drugs and alcohol and eventually crime. Still, the determination of my mom to assure that I at least finished high school was a personal mission she took on all by herself. It is clear today that I should have taken advantage of all educational opportunities while growing up. I should have valued the time spent in those classrooms. It is also clear today that because of my bad judgment, selfishness, and anti-social behavior that I ultimately ended up in prison. It is even more clear to me that giving back to the very same community I once neglected has become one of the many priorities in my life today. Unfortunately, I am unable to erase the past. Moreover, I am deeply ashamed and sorry for my actions; More important, I take full responsibility for a crime I committed against humanity. Furthermore, I pray for the forgiveness from the victim’s family first, and my family thereafter. In the interim, here lies the future of a man who has utilized his time preparing to be a beacon of light to others and a shining example of transformation.

Although coming to prison was a saving grace because my life had become destructive and unmanageable, it was during my incarceration that I made a conscious decision to take control of my life by taking advantage of the Department of Corrections programs and rehabilitation process in order to prepare myself for release. I must admit, my incarceration has been a long journey towards growth, advancement, and mental and spiritual maturity. Ironically enough, the same institution of education that I showed little interest towards while growing up is the very same institution that has help mold me into a prospect of change.

Family Background

I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. Second oldest of four children; All of whom are currently employed by city agencies. Unofficially, my employment history began at a very early age. I remember shining shoes from Sunup Till Sundown on the corner between Flatbush and Dekalb Avenue; directly across the street from the world’s famous Juniors' Restaurant. On a good day, I would bring home close to twenty dollars in loose change. I felt very proud because I worked hard to earn that money. Moreover, this was my very first experience of recognizing the importance of being responsible for myself; I felt rewarded for my efforts. Officially, at the age of fourteen, I worked for the summer Youth Job Program, and I worked for the Man Power Agencies. I graduated from George Westinghouse High School an Apprentice in Cabinetmaking (1976). As an adult, I worked as a Cabinetmaker. I was a Civil Service employee working for the New York City Housing Authority. I also worked in the roofing, plumbing, and construction field.

Criminal Offense

The present offense of my incarceration was unintentional murder in the (Second Degree). I was sentenced to 20 years to life. Further information concerning my criminal history can be viewed on DOC’s Data Bank.

Special Skills

Computer Lit. Windows (98), WordPerfect (200), Proposal Writing, Food Service Cook, Fund Raising, and a Special Events Coordinator.

Release Plans

Although I have the full support of my entire family, I plan to live with my father in Brooklyn. My personal goals consist of seeking employment in the Mental Health/Human Service field as an Intensive Case Manager. I will also return back to school to achieve a Masters Degree in Social Work under the college Initiative Program (Network). Finally, I will commit myself to doing volunteer work in the community.

Incarceration History

In Closing ....

Finally, in reference to the State Division of Parole (259-I) rules and guidelines for release consideration, I would like to consider myself a good candidate for parole because there is a very high probability that I will remain at liberty without violating the law. I believe my release is compatible with the welfare of society. Equally as important, I have served my time while making many strives to develop as an individual who is conscious of the bad choices he made in the past so as not to depreciate the seriousness of the crime, and not to undermind respect for the law ever again.

Joseph Ross

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