Prison Professors 6-Week Content Creation Workshop Week 1 — Ownership & Identity Straight-A Focus: Adjustment & Accountability Participant Edition (Plain Language Format) PURPOSE OF THIS WEEK This week helps you: Separate yourself from your conviction Identify who you are becoming Take responsibility without shame Begin building a documented record of growth This is not about telling your entire life story. It is about clarity. WHAT YOU WILL COMPLETE By the end of this week, you must have: ✔ One written Life Snapshot (1 page minimum) ✔ A list of 5 personal values ✔ One Ownership Statement paragraph Completion matters more than perfection. STEP 1 — LIFE SNAPSHOT What This Means A Life Snapshot is a one-page reflection answering three simple questions: Who was I before prison? Who am I today? Who am I working to become? You do not need complex words. You need honesty. Sentence Starters (Use These If Helpful) “Before prison, I saw myself as…” “When I first arrived, I believed…” “Over time, I began to realize…” “Today, I understand that…” “The person I am becoming is…” Write in full sentences. Minimum: One page. STEP 2 — IDENTIFY YOUR VALUES What Is a Value? A value is something that matters to you. Examples: Honesty Discipline Patience Responsibility Faith Family Service Growth Stability Respect Your Assignment Write 5 values that matter to you. For each value, write 2–3 sentences explaining: How does my behavior reflect this value right now? Be specific. Example: Value: Discipline “I wake up at 5:30 a.m. every day and exercise before count. This helps me build structure and stay mentally focused.” STEP 3 — OWNERSHIP STATEMENT This is a short paragraph beginning with: “I am responsible for…” Do not explain your case. Do not blame others. Do not defend yourself. Focus only on: Your decisions Your growth Your commitment Minimum: One paragraph (5–8 sentences). WHAT COMPLETED WORK LOOKS LIKE By the end of Week 1, you should have: A clear one-page reflection 5 written values with explanations A paragraph showing personal responsibility If you are in SHU or working independently: Complete all three sections and keep them together. They may be submitted as: A Journal Entry A Bio update A Prison Professors profile post REFLECTION CHECK Ask yourself: Did I answer honestly? Did I avoid minimizing? Did I avoid blaming? Did I focus on who I am becoming? If yes, you completed Week 1 successfully. TITLE FOR SUBMISSION (If Posting to Prison Professors) “Week 1 – Ownership & Identity”

This foundational lesson guides participants through structured reflection on identity, values, and personal responsibility. Using plain-language prompts and clear writing expectations, participants complete a Life Snapshot, define five core values, and draft an Ownership Statement. The module strengthens self-awareness, reduces shame-based thinking, and begins the process of documenting transformation for a Prison Professors profile.

Celeste Blair

Founding Alumni Member