Hello my name is Dominique Oden. I'm 44 years old and a sociable Sagittarius who was born and raised in California. I grew up in Long Beach and although life has taken me down a path I never expected, I've always tried to keep a positive outlook and find something to smile about.

I've been incarcerated since I was 19 years old after being falsely accused of aiding and abetting in 2001. I've spent many years behind these walls, but I refuse to let my circumstance define who I am or the person I am becoming. In many ways prison has become a place where I've grown up, educated myself and learned a lot about life, people and myself.

I am half Nigerian and half Native American- yet I'm fully proud of both sides of my heritage. I don't have children and I've never been in a long-term relationship because I've spent most of my adult life incarcerated. There are a lot of experiences that most people take for granted that I've never even had. Believe it or not, I've never even driven a car! There is a whole world out there I'm hoping to experience one day, and I'd love to have someone willing to share some of those experiences with me.

I'm definitely a people person, I'm "happy-go-lucky", optimistic, easy going and someone who almost always has a smile on his face. I love good conversation and getting to know people for who they really are. I also love to bake so if you have a sweet tooth, we might already have something in common! Looking toward the future, one of my goals is to become a mentor for young people. I want to use what I've learned from my own life to help youth make positive choices. Furthermore, I wish to challenge the belief that their circumstances determine their future.

I'm not looking for someone to send me money or take care of me. I'm looking for something far more valuable, genuine friends and/or relationships. If you are open minded, kind, curious about life and/or interested in getting to know someone who still believes there is plenty of good ahead, I'd love to hear from you. I am an open book- no topics are off the table with me and besides, at this point you've already read my entire profile. what would it hurt to give me a chance? I promise you won't regret it. I look forward to hearing from you...

The man with a golden smile

-Dominique