I’ve spent most of my life homeless, locked up, or on the run. Then, something changed for me. My daughter was born, and I wanted to be a better person for her and her mother.
When I violated felony probation with a five-year suspended sentence hanging over me, Superior Court Judge Laura Woods showed mercy. She gave me 120 days in county jail and the Behavioral Health Court Program instead of prison. When I was released from jail, and upon graduation from BHC, I applied to the Shasta College STEP-UP program. That was the beginning of an entirely new life for me.
I currently hold a 4.0 GPA, as I have for four straight full-time semesters (and two summers). I was considered for EOPS Student of the Year, and I received the EOPS Outstanding Student Award. I am a Shasta College Heavy Equipment and Heavy Logging Equipment Program graduate and have completed the Shasta College Truck Driving Program. In addition, I am on track to receive my degree in Forest Science and Technology, and I have completed Emergency Medical Responder training. I serve as president of the Shasta College Honor Society, Phi Theta Kappa, the SOAR club (Students Overcoming and Alleviating Recidivism), and I have joined Umoja.
I endeavor to live a life that honors God in everything I do. I am the father of two beautiful daughters, and I am still married to their mother by the grace of God and the help of the Tehama County Court system.
I owe a debt of gratitude to so many. My wife Shannon, the Honorable Judge Laura Woods, and Tehama County Deputy Probation Officer Christine Benner have been instrumental to my success. My success as a student also didn’t happen in isolation, and I am grateful to Robert Bowman and Misty Hardy of STEP-UP; everyone at EOPS; instructors John Livingston, Peter Dickerson, Rick Boontjer, and Glenda Cole; and all the instructors and professors who have made my success possible. Thank you for believing in me and giving me a second chance at a first-class life.
Raymon
Shasta College Knight