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Michael Tyler |
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Michael Anthony Tyler
Nickname: Young Mike
Age: 28
Paroling to: Northern California
Why did you join the T.R.U.S.T.?
Because I wanted to give back to the communities I helped destroyed. I also want to help change myself as well as others in a positive way that would benefit self, family, and community.
What does being a T.R.U.S.T. Fellow mean to you?
It means I have an opportunity to help build something that will be around long after I’m gone. It gives me confidence in my daily life and decision-making.
Since coming to prison, what have you accomplished?
My anger problems have been manageable. My desire to learn has grown leaps and bounds. My self-esteem has tipped the scales in a manner that allows me to avoid the old traps that had me stuck for a long time. I’m more disciplined in every area of my life, but my eating habits.
What are some of your hobbies and interests?
I like to work out, play sports, listening to music. My interests are learning new things that will help me and others; finding a way to own a restaurant upon release; working with kids and adults trying to better themselves.
What programs are you involved with other than the T.R.U.S.T.?
I am involved with No More Tears; Keepin’ It Real; Nonviolence Communication; and the Patten College program.
What kind of work do you do with the “inside” and/or “outside” communities?
In the inside community, I’m an example to follow in here. I’ll help people in need and show them a better way to live. When people live here, I help them to have a little more knowledge when they leave. Outside, I work with kids from the surrounding counties. I tell them the affect of their bad behavior and the chances of coming to prison. With the T.R.U.S.T. program, we try to build a bridge back to the community.
How do you live up to the T.R.U.S.T. value system? How do you promote the ideals of the T.R.U.S.T. outside the workshops?
I believe I do, but I’ve learned not everyone is perfect. So I do what I can, but I do have the values on my mind all the time. Whenever I get a chance to give advice, I do it in the fashion of sharing T.R.U.S.T. ideals!
What do you want to do after you parole?
I want to continue to work with kids and move the T.R.U.S.T. forward. I also want to be a motivational speaker. My dream is to own a restaurant chain.
What are your long-term goals?
To be a person in the community that people can trust and respect. I want to be that, so I can help the community to love itself and teach itself. Right now, I want to graduate from college with an A.A. degree.
Personal message to the outside community:
We as a community helped destroy it, We are the only ones that can truly fix it. We all have to take some responsibility for the problems of today, in doing so we will have a vested interest in doing the work that needs to be done. Remember, someone thought we were worth the effort! Keep the T.R.U.S.T. !!
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