
I am extremely disappointed Mr. Shakir and I weren't able to participate in the conference. However, I'd still like to share my message.
There is a single word that best encapsulates my entire message, and it resonates with me on a very personal level. That one word is HOPE, and it speaks to all of the potential and possibilities of the future. For me, a still relatively young man serving a 213 year sentence without any remaining appeals or eventual chance of parole, that single word is life-defining.
Never once since I received this sentence have I ever lost HOPE. There have been some tremendous difficulties leading up to this day but nothing that has caused me to consider changing my course. In fact, I intend to redouble my efforts and press forward because I am forever hopeful about the future...
I HOPE that this conference helps to spread my coaching program to other institutions where it might positively impact countless more lives.
I HOPE that together, all of us, can figure out a way to make post-secondary education available to prisoners nationwide and thus effectively reduce the rate of recidivism.
I HOPE that NEXT YEAR we can make this session the interactive experience we intended it to be this year, only next time Mr. Shakir will be there "live" in person.
I HOPE that this conferences and the discussions it generates will serve to inspire systemic changes that lead to the repeal or reform of mandatory minimum sentencing policies, so that I too can one day make a personal appearance and speak about my experiences inside the federal criminal justice system.
But only for today, right now at this very moment, I'm simply grateful to have briefly captured your attention and been able to share my vision for the future with all of you.
If there is anything that you would like to share with me in response to what you've heard today during this presentation, or if you have any other additional questions or comments for me please do not hesitate to send an email. I can promise that I will reply to each and every one of them.
Thank you for your interest.
Sincerely, Adam B. Clausen
Read Adam's full presentation here.