Hello, and welcome to RC Journey. If you’ve stumbled upon this little corner of the internet, you might be wondering: what exactly is an “RC Journey”?
Well, pull up a virtual chair, maybe grab a cup of coffee, and let me tell you. The “RC” in the name stands for Returning Citizen (or Returned Citizen, however you prefer to phrase it). It refers to individuals who, like myself, are navigating life after incarceration. But RC Journey is more than just a blog about reentry; it’s a travelogue with a twist, a juxtaposition of the breathtaking beauty of the United States and the often-harsh realities faced by those rejoining society.
Right now, I’m writing this from a small town in Indiana. It’s a quiet place, the kind of town where you can hear the birds singing in the morning and the crickets chirping at night. But even in the heartland, far removed from prison walls, the echoes of incarceration linger. Reentry isn’t a clean slate; it’s a complex process of rebuilding, reconnecting, and often, overcoming significant systemic barriers.
As a Platform Systems Engineer for The Last Mile, I’m fortunate to have a fully remote position. This incredible opportunity allows me the freedom to work from anywhere with an internet connection. And that’s where the “Journey” part of RC Journey comes in. I plan to leverage this flexibility to travel across the United States, visiting the natural wonders our country has to offer – our stunning national parks, our tranquil lakes, our majestic mountains.
But this won’t be your typical travel blog filled with just pretty pictures and lighthearted anecdotes. My intention is to weave together the awe-inspiring beauty of these locations with the often-unseen struggles of returning citizens. As I hike a mountain trail, I’ll also be reflecting on the uphill battle of finding stable housing after release. As I gaze at a serene lake, I’ll be contemplating the challenges of rebuilding trust and relationships.
Furthermore, RC Journey will be a platform for other Returned Citizens who have successfully navigated their own reentry journeys. I’ll be sharing their stories, their wisdom, and their practical advice – the things that truly made a difference in their lives. I’ll delve into the realities of securing employment with a criminal record, finding safe and affordable housing, and even the delicate process of rediscovering love and belonging.
And of course, I’ll be sharing my own story here too. My experiences, my challenges, my hopes for the future – an honest and open account of what it means to be a returning citizen striving to build a meaningful life.
Ultimately, RC Journey aims to do a few things:
So, whether you’re a returning citizen yourself, a loved one of someone reentering society, someone working in the field of criminal justice reform, or simply someone who appreciates nature and compelling human stories, I hope you’ll join me on this journey. We have a lot to explore, a lot to learn, and a lot of ground to cover – both geographically and metaphorically.
Stay tuned for the first leg of my travels and the stories that unfold along the way. Welcome to RC Journey. The adventure begins now.
