It is not only an honor to be asked to craft this year’s New Beginnings letter to our amazing supporters but also a privilege to share my journey with Hudson Link. I say it’s a privilege for one reason; Hudson Link changed my life!
I joined the Hudson Link family while incarcerated at Taconic Correctional Facility. It became immediately apparent that Hudson Link is so much more than an organization providing Higher Education IN prison. Through my academic journey while incarcerated, I learned that Hudson Link also has a strong focus on transitional support once students are OUT of prison. I’m proud to write this letter as a Hudson Link alum who left prison holding a bachelor’s degree and a former resident of Hudson Link’s New Beginnings transitional housing program. I now have stable housing and am gainfully employed as Hudson Link’s first Records Coordinator.
“Hudson Link is a lifeline, offering unwavering transitional support to students both during and after incarceration.”
I learned about Hudson Link during a Bedford Hills Correctional Facility graduation ceremony. While I wasn’t a student at the time, I remember Sean Pica’s speech about his academic journey while he was incarcerated. I was so inspired that, following his speech, I told Sean that he’d be the reason that I’d earn a degree. And, in 2018, I graduated with my associate’s degree. I realized I wasn’t finished investing in myself. I continued my academic journey and in June of 2022, I walked across the stage at Taconic Correctional Facility earning a bachelor’s as the valedictorian. I know none of this would have been possible without the support and encouragement from Hudson Link. Being able to participate in college while incarcerated was the foundation of my self-investment.
I was released a month later and moved into Mo’s House. Mo’s House is one of three transitional houses Hudson Link has for alumni, and it was such a relief to have a real home to come home to. I was able to focus on getting better acquainted with society after being away for over a decade. I started taking several trainings and Microsoft Office Specialist courses and soon found myself interning with Hudson Link. A few months after my internship ended, I interviewed for the position I now hold. I am proudly the first Student Records Coordinator for the Program Department here at Hudson Link, assisting other students to earn degrees; it is a dream job. I am not only gainfully employed, but I now have my own apartment all because of this incredible organization.
Years ago, I could never have imagined being where I am today. I am humbled by all the experiences I have been through, but none have had such a profound impact on me and my life like joining the Hudson Link family. And it is with the support of people like you that all of Hudson Link’s work is possible.
Warm Holiday Wishes,
Penelope Martin,
Student Records Coordinator and Class of ’18 and ‘22
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