• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Hudson Link for Higher Education in Prison

Changing Lives, One Degree At A Time.

  • Home
  • Who We Are
  • What We Do
  • Impact
  • Donate

Life Didn’t End with a 25-year Sentence

November 21, 2022 by Jade Watts 2 Comments

Almost twenty-six years ago I was arrested and subsequently sentenced to 25 years to life. When I arrived at my first of many correctional facilities, I started to believe my life was over. I felt loneliness, and despair, alongside an overwhelming sense of defeat. I honestly felt like the world had given up on me. And so, my long 25 years of incarceration began with a sense of rebellion, and unquenchable tragedy. But my life story did not end there.

I do not seek sympathy or sadness for the telling of my story. I pray for understanding not of where I came from, but how I got here. The first eleven years of my incarceration were long and painful and became a testament to anger and despair. I saw college opportunities and rehabilitative programs taken away or backlogged with waiting lists I could not reach. It felt like I was met with obstacles and rejection every time I tried to attain some semblance of normalcy. Resignation to my fate was my only option, until I learned better.

In 2007, I was transferred to Sing Sing Correctional Facility. It was not my first choice, but at the time I didn’t even care about choices. At Sing Sing, I learned about Hudson Link while mopping and sweeping floors in the school building. I applied for the college program and waited for a reply thinking I would never receive one. While working, I approached the office and was surprised to meet Ms. Mohammad and her office clerk at the time, Mr. Duncan. I was greeted with a level of respect I had not encountered before and was welcomed instead of dismissed. Shortly after, I became a student. Through education and the dedication of both classmates and teachers, the anger and helplessness melted. Each new class brought insight into my life; I began to see possibilities for the future, and the despair faded away.

Fifteen years later I was released holding a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree! The world was very different from the one I left almost twenty-six years ago, and I was nervous but happily not afraid. I was not afraid because I was released with an arsenal of knowledge and an army of friends and family blessed to me from Hudson Link. This amazing family did more than provide a pretty diploma, they gave me hope, wisdom, and a place to call home.

Some would think the story ends there, but the journey, the learning, and the commitment and family support from Hudson Link never end. I am currently a resident at Hudson Link’s New Beginnings transitional housing program, and I can honestly say that what began in 2007 continues to this day in every life I touch, every word I speak, and every action I take. Hudson Link did more than bless me with an education, they blessed the world with someone desperately needed. I am happy to meet the challenge.

I know firsthand that my journey could have been a lot different had it not been for Hudson Link, and I encourage you to continue believing in and giving to the work that Hudson Link does for our students. I know that when someone feels empowered, they start to believe in themselves. With your support, we can ensure that our students flourish in 2023 and beyond.

Warm Holiday Wishes,

Hilberto Ramos, Class of ‘11, ‘13, ‘19

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Carolyn Cintron says

    November 21, 2022 at 8:05 pm

    I was proud of you before this ordeal took flight, and I am even more proud of you now and extremely excited for your future journey. You are blessed in having come across Hudson Link, as your guide and support, and I am thankful you were able to turn away from your negative thoughts. I continue to pray for you and your journey.

    Reply
  2. verneris marie hélèné says

    December 11, 2022 at 11:53 am

    congratulations to the man you have become, you are the proof that we must believe in the perfectibility of man
    good luck to you

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Search this Website

Recent Posts

Launching the Transitional Services Department

Kiki Dunston Promoted to Inaugural Community Engagement Manager

Furnishings Provides Real Second Chance

#CleanSlateCan’tWait: Advocacy and Statewide Action

Give Connections this Giving Tuesday

What We’re Thankful For

Life Didn’t End with a 25-year Sentence

Once More to Albany!

Updates from New Beginnings: Hudson Link’s Transitional Housing Program

2nd Annual Faculty Retreat Was a Blast!

Steps Forward for New Beginnings

President Biden Sits With HL Alumnus To Discuss College In Prison

Western NY Alumni, Thank You!

Rise Up 2022: Honoring Our Past While Shaping the Future

Thinking Back & Looking Forward: Part I & II

Ringing the Opening Bell at the New York Stock Exchange

Celebrating Graduates at Greene Correctional Facility

Celebrating Our Largest Group of Taconic Graduates

Jesse Williams Gives Keynote Address at Sing Sing Graduation

Mo’s Place Opens Its Doors

Footer

(914) 941-0794 | info@hudsonlink.org
  • News
  • Videos
  • Policies & Financials
  • Job Postings
  • Newsletter
  • Donate
  • Contact Us


Sign In

Copyright © 2023 Hudson Link for Higher Education in Prison

For this year’s Giving Tuesday, Give Connection! We are asking our community to help us provide our released alumni with essential technology for navigating our 21st Century world, as well as other basic necessities like underwear, cozy sweats, and socks.

Supporting the Giving Connections campaign is as simple as shopping on Amazon: visit the Giving Connection wishlist, select the items you wish to purchase for Hudson Link alumni, and make sure to choose Hudson Link’s office as the shipping destination at checkout. Please make sure to include a gift note so we know who each donation is coming from.

Thank you for all you do for Hudson Link alumni, this Giving Tuesday and all year round. We could not do this work without you!

Volunteer With Hudson Link for Higher Education

  • Accepted file types: pdf, Max. file size: 65 MB.