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Noel Valdivia |
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Noel Valdivia Sr.
Age: 45
Paroling to: Stockton, California
Family: 28-year-old daughter and 23-year-old son
Why did you join the T.R.U.S.T.?
Because of its assistance and opportunities it presents for personal development. Also, the opportunity the T.R.U.S.T. presents to give back to the community.
What does being a T.R.U.S.T. Fellow mean to you?
It means the opportunity it presents to me. The opportunity to display the skills I learned in the T.R.U.S.T.
Since coming to prison, what have you accomplished?
I’ve matured, learned to be responsible, rationalize in moments making vital decisions. I have obtained by A.A. Degree. I have also gained Journeyman level skills in Sheetmetal. I have adopted the Concept of learning everything I can and to continuously seek knowledge.
What are some of your hobbies and interests?
Sports (both playing and watching)
What programs are you involved with other than the T.R.U.S.T.?
Taking college courses.
Paralegal Studies.
Self-Help programs like R.E.A.L. Choices and No More Tears.
What kind of work do you do with the “inside” and/or “outside” communities?
I am involved in the R.E.A.L. Choices, youth diversion program, working with at-risk youth. Also, No More Tears, which is a response to violence program.
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 live up to the T.R.U.S.T. values by abiding by and practicing its creed concept. I promote the T.R.U.S.T. ideals by demonstrating its concept in my every day life.
What do you want to do after you parole?
Complete my education (B.A. and Masters, hopefully PhD). Get involved in community building.
What are your long-term goals?
Create a community based youth diversion program or incorporate a program into the community.
Personal message to the outside community:
Please understand that one mistake that a person makes does not make that person eternally useless. Rather a bad decision, if rectified, can be an experience most valuable to help prevent another person from making the same mistake. Everyone deserves a second chance.
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