Beyond Bars: A Journey of Volunteering

Jaziah Eaddy

This presentation highlights an inspiring program that Dr. Carson and I are involved in at a close medium-security prison: the Lifers’ Group. The workshops are held once every semester, and the inmates select four topics, they are interested in discussing. Topics requested by the inmates are developed and implemented by other criminology Lander students and myself. During the workshop there are small group interactions where we provide lessons to help with understanding the topics and exercises needed to apply the information. Through the workshops led by the students, they gain a deeper understanding and develop a sense of empathy for them. The stigma that may have existed previously is replaced with a new perspective. The experience motivates students to volunteer their free time to develop and implement discussion topics and create informative handouts for the inmates which is beneficial to them. This program clearly demonstrates the positive impact that education can have on inmates.

• Jaziah Eaddy graduated from Lake City High School in Lake City, SC, and from Florence-Darlington Tech with an associate’s in paralegal studies. She is a senior criminology major who will graduate in May 2024. After graduation, she wishes to attend law school to further her education and achieve her top goal of being a judge.