Hello, My name is Michael and I am the founder of a new organization to help people get a second chance in the corporate world. Here is a little bit of my story, and what has motivated me to start JobStart America.
To begin with, I am a convicted felon that has made some bad choices in life. For these choices, I have paid a severe price. My freedom was taken away from me and I spent time in prison for my crime. The crime that I committed was not of a violent nature at all and I take full responsibility for my actions. I am sorry for the things that I put my family and friends through, as well as those that were affected by my crimes. The crime and the duration of my incarceration are not important. What is important is that I have paid my debt to society according to the laws of the land and have since, become a productive member of society.
What has happened in my life since these crimes were committed has been very hard for me to handle, because I am now labeled, by society as a bad person, untrustworthy, a risk, and unworthy. It took me a while to realize that I am none of these things. I am a husband, a father, a friend, a trusted employee, and a straight A student studying Computer Information Systems.
I have faced hardship in the following areas: finding gainful employment, voting, and also denied housing because of my record. After I left prison, I put myself through school to become a Computer Programmer, and was able to find great employment as a contractor with then BellSouth. I worked with BellSouth for a period of eight years, seven of which was as the Lead Data Analyst for their Learning Support Services Division. Then one day things changed for me and life would never be the same. September 11, 2001.
See More on My Blogger Page at http://jobstartamerica.blogspot.com/
