A Day in the Life

A Day in the Life shares stories from faculty, students, and APEP Student Assistants. These stories aim to give insight into APEP: how it works, and how it impacts participants.

Bonnie Jessee

I first became involved in APEP when I was asked to type up the poems the students were writing for Rebecca Wee’s Writing Poetry class and put a poetry book together of selected poems. These men dug deep and wrote some very poignant and some very beautiful poetry. One even wrote a short poem about me typing their poems. Rebecca Wee invited me to her final at the prison, where the students were going to read a few their poems. Listening to them read their poetry was powerful and moving.

When the position for APEP Administrative Assistant became available I knew I wanted the job. My work is channeling communications to and from our incarcerated students, APEP faculty, and the APEP offices. I also help out in the classrooms when needed and have been working during study hall at the prison.

This is the most rewarding job I ever had. I know my work with APEP is making a difference in the lives of men who would otherwise not have much of a chance. I enjoy getting to know each of them and learn more about them. They have some unbelievable talents: writing stories and poetry, amazing calligraphy skills (freehand with a regular pen), art and illustration to name a few. Some are very funny and outgoing and others are quiet and a little bit shy. These men are like you and me in more ways than they are different. Like the students on campus they hope for good grades, they get nervous presenting and some have test anxiety. I love how they encourage each other, push each other and help each other.

I am proud of our incarcerated students and proud to have such a wonderful, rewarding job. I actually look forward to going to work each day on campus and in the prison.