Jail inmates graduate to college

Jail inmates graduate to college

by Joseph Omoremi

Hopes brightened for seven of the inmates at the Cook County Boot Camp who opted for the military disciplined camp instead of jail terms as they head to colleges and work places after passing their GED examinations.

"I'm going to a two year college like my other two brothers. I'm tired of the life of armed robbery that brought me here," said Salameh Abaquel.

Abaquel, who was arrested for armed robbery but charged and convicted for robbery explained that he is a changed man after going through the rigors of the camp.

Another victorious inmate in the GED examination who wishes to remain anonymous is joining UPS immediately and will consider further studies next fall.

"I've got a son and another child is on the way. I've got to work to support my family like a responsible father instead of selling drugs on the streets," he said.

The inmate, who graduated last wekend, along with 22 others after completing the first 18 months, was caught and convicted of a banned substance he was trying to sell on the street.

The graduation, conducted the same as a high school graduation, was witnessed by the families, friends and associates of the inmates.

Seven of the 22 leaving the camp passed their GED examination which is conducted six times a year at the camp located at 2801 South Rockwell.

The camp's operations director Frank Johnson explained that the mathematics rates of the inmates went up by 1.6 percent and 2.5 percent in English over the previous year.

"It is left for you to move ahead in life with the same discipline and determination to succeed in life instead of engaging in illegal and criminal works," said camp director Patrick Durkin.

Durkin urged the families of the graduating inmates to support them in setting their lives straight and acting responsibly in all situations.

He reminded them that "the sky is their limit if they combine the knowledge acquired in camp with discipline and determination while facing any challenges they face in the future."

"Everyone has problems and obstacles to overcome. Nothing is carved in stone. You can change anything in you life if you want to badly enough," Durkin explained.

"Excuses", he said, are for losers. Those who take responsibility for their actions are the real winners. It is never too late or too early to begin a responsible life."

He urged them to set goals, carry them out and take responsibility for its success and otherwise stressing "what you achieve or fail to achieve in life is related to your actions.

Yelling "I'm going home now; I say I'm going home right now" the inmates tagged "Bravo VII," treated their families, friends, other inmates yet to graduate and visitors to a marching out parade.

The parade, mixed with applause and laughter was also witnessed by job recruiters.

Article Copyright Sengstacke Enterprises, Inc.