Michael A.W. Bjorlin
Nickname: Irish Rhino
Age: 37
Paroling to: Butte County, eventually Bay Area
Family: Parents, Sisters, Brothers, Nephews and Nieces

Why did you join the T.R.U.S.T.?
I saw a group of guys who cared and were trying to help others get their lives together. I really liked that we were become assets instead of liabilities. To be a part of something positive.

What does being a T.R.U.S.T. Fellow mean to you?
I get to be around a lot of guys like me, men who are giving back and who really care about others. Being a T.R.U.S.T. Fellow means dedication, loyalty, and family.

Since coming to prison, what have you accomplished?
I’ve continued my education. I’ve gotten certified in customer service, mattress making, office machine repair, HazMat, as well as forklift. I have also learned about myself, why I committed the crime I did. I also learned that I can forgive those who hurt me in my past due to the person I committed this crime against forgave me.

What are some of your hobbies and interests?
Sports, Art, working with the youth, fishing, public speaking.

What programs are you involved with other than the T.R.U.S.T.?
S.Q.U.I.R.E.S., Project Choice, V.O.E.G. Next Step, N.A.

What kind of work do you do with the “inside” and/or “outside” communities?
I work with troubled teens from the Bay Area through several different outside organization. I also help the men in here with their G.E.D. studies, as well as get them involved in Self-help groups. I’m also there for those who need someone to talk to.

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 continue to do personal growth everyday by educating and helping others change their lives. I use my life story in the process of communicating with the Young Generation as well as those who want to listen and learn.

What do you want to do after you parole?
I want to complete the yearlong “Jordan Crossings” program. I then want to continue working with the Troubled youth through S.Q.U.I.R.E.S. and R.E.A.L. Choices. I’m also going to continue the work of the T.R.U.S.T. in helping those who are paroling to get jobs and places to live.

What are your long-term goals?
I have a goal of bringing groups together on the outside like S.Q.U.I.R.E.S., R.E.A.L. Choices, and T.R.U.S.T. I want to be able to speak about the prison system and the importance of rehabilitation to communities and colleges. I want to be successful, but most importantly I want to have a family.

Personal message to the outside community:
Today, I am a man who was forgiven for his crime, so I live my life today as that man who was forgiven. God has put me in a position to give back to my peers within the walls and the youth on the outside, and I believe that my calling is to continue the work within, on the outside upon my release.

Note: Michael Bjorlin was released from San Quentin in January of 2008. He is living in a transitional community called Jordan Crossing in Butte County, California. He is doing very well. He has jumped head first into furthering his development and is teaching basketball to young kids. If you would like to get in touch with him, please let us know on the Contact Us page.