Sometimes, we have to make the wrong choices to get to the right place. I recently learned that lesson the hard way.
I’m Kortez with a K, a 33-year-old musician with over 170 tattoos. You can see some of them on my music video, KORTEZ – FIRST DAY BACK, available on YouTube. The actions depicted in the video were me to the fullest. I’m not proud of the lifestyle I lived, but it was simply the life I knew. I sold and abused drugs all day, accumulated materialistic things, and was too busy chasing fame and fortune to recognize just how much I was missing.
One day, I made a mistake that literally changed my life. I was accused of multiple counts of attempted murder. My face and name were blasted all over the news, all over social media, and I ultimately ended up in Super Max. As cliche as it may sound, this mistake likely saved my life.
Some might call it a wakeup call, but I prefer to think of it as a metamorphosis. In an insect, it’s defined as ” the process of transformation from an immature form to an adult form.” For a human being, the definition reads, “a change of the form or nature of a thing or person into a completely different one, by natural or supernatural means”. Both definitions apply to me. Even though I was in my 30s, I was immature. Those slamming cell doors, dozens of times a day, the echo, the realization that this was now real life, not just something in a music video, it was a catalyst for change.
I began reading self-help and personal growth books, and seriously questioning my identity as a person. I studied law, which opened my mind to the numerous injustices in the world. I knew I needed to acknowledge my accountability, take a plea bargain, serve my time, and prepare for the next part of my journey.
Now, instead of weapons, drugs, and material things, I’m looking forward to being released next year, and to all of the opportunities that will come with it. I’d like to own a non-profit and get involved positively in my community. I’m looking into the possibility of owning a Dunkin’ Donuts franchise. I still want to write and perform music, but my focus will be on higher standards and proper etiquette. And just being able to get out and truly enjoy nature (and fresh air) will be a blessing. It’s nice to actually have goals and aspirations, and not merely feel like I’m existing.
So, there you have it. Making the wrong choice and being sent to prison really did help me get to the right place, and I truly feel it was the best thing that could have happened to me. It might have even saved my life.
If you’d like to exchange letters or emails, become pen pals or friends, I look forward to hearing from you. Let’s talk about music, contemporary arts, or even what your favorite Donut at Dunkin’ is. After all, I need to do a little market research before opening my own franchise! And if you’ve read all the way to the bottom of my profile, thank you and God Bless. I hope to hear from you soon. -Kortez
Please note: This service gives you the opportunity to send your first message to a new pen pal, free of charge. If you send more than one message to the same inmate, or a message to someone you already know, they will not be forwarded.
When you send a message using this form, our staff will print and mail it via US Mail or forward it via the prison’s email system, every two weeks. Be patient, and don’t expect an immediate reply. Inmates can’t email you back directly, so include your full name, email address, and complete mailing address or phone number for a reply. Messages without valid contact info won’t be forwarded, nor will messages with threatening or abusive language.
Want to message directly and more quickly? Check the inmate’s profile to see which email service he or she uses (i.e. GettingOut, JPay, Securus). These services cost between 5 to 50 cents per message and offer you the ability to message them directly and instantly.
