Am Not a Juvenile Delinquent: My Story of Redemption

It was an overwhelming sense of relief that washed over me as I emerged from my troubled past. An environment riddled with bad influences and misguided decisions had shaped me into what society viewed as a juvenile delinquent. But, I am here to tell you, I am not a juvenile delinquent. My journey is one of redemption, resilience, and transformation.

Like many teenagers, I was searching for an identity, struggling to find my place in the world. Unfortunately, I fell into the wrong crowd, indulging in reckless behavior and making choices that were detrimental to my future. Society branded me with the label of a "juvenile delinquent," locking me into a predetermined destiny.

But, I refuse to let that label define me.

I Am Not a Juvenile Delinquent: How Poetry Changed a Group of At-Risk Young Women (Lessons in Rehabilitation and Letting It Go)

by Sharon Charde (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1215 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	282 pages

FREE

A Change of Perspective

It was during a court-mandated mentoring program that I encountered individuals who believed in my potential, despite my troubled background. These mentors challenged me to look beyond my circumstances, to envision a future that was not dictated by my past mistakes.

Through counseling and guidance, I began to understand the root causes of my destructive behavior. It was a lack of positive role models, a dearth of opportunities, and a profound sense of frustration that led me down a perilous path.

I realized that in order to break free from the cycle of delinquency, I needed to surround myself with individuals and opportunities that promoted growth and development. It was time for me to turn my life around.

Embracing Second Chances

A pivotal moment in my journey came when I was given a second chance through the Youth Offender Program. This program aimed to rehabilitate youth offenders by providing education, vocational training, and mentorship.

I grasped this opportunity with both hands, recognizing that this was my chance to rewrite my future. I immersed myself in my studies, learning skills that would equip me for a fulfilling career. Through vocational training, I discovered a passion for web development and design.

Web development became my creative outlet, my way of expressing myself. Through every line of code, I gained a greater sense of self-worth and purpose. It became evident that I was not a delinquent, but rather a young individual with untapped potential waiting to be unleashed.

Overcoming Obstacles

The journey to redemption was not an easy one. It was filled with countless obstacles and moments of doubt. Society's preconceived notions often stood as roadblocks on my path to transformation.

While navigating through this challenging terrain, I learned the value of resilience and persistence. I armed myself with knowledge, honed my skills, and went above and beyond to prove my worth to potential employers and skeptics alike.

The hard work paid off. I secured an internship with a reputed web development agency, where I continued to refine my skills and gain invaluable industry experience. This opportunity provided a stepping stone towards a brighter future, emboldening my belief that I am not a juvenile delinquent, but rather a phoenix rising from the ashes.

The Power of Redemption

Today, I stand as a testament to the power of redemption. I am not defined by my troubled past, but rather by the journey I undertook to overcome it. Through sheer determination and the unwavering belief in my own potential, I have defied societal expectations and carved out a different future for myself.

Now, armed with my newfound skills and experiences, I am dedicated to giving back and eradicating the mentality that once saw me as a lost cause. I mentor at-risk youth, sharing my story and guiding them towards a more positive path. No longer am I a juvenile delinquent; I am an advocate for change.

My journey from being labeled as a juvenile delinquent to becoming a symbol of redemption is a testament to the transformative power that exists within each and every one of us. No matter your past, it is never too late to turn your life around and prove your worth.

I urge you to see beyond the stereotypes and look for the potential within those who may have taken a wrong turn in life. By offering support, encouragement, and second chances, we can empower those with troubled pasts to rise above their circumstances and rewrite their futures just like I did.

Remember, I am not a juvenile delinquent; I am a survivor, a fighter, and an inspiration to others.

I Am Not a Juvenile Delinquent: How Poetry Changed a Group of At-Risk Young Women (Lessons in Rehabilitation and Letting It Go)

by Sharon Charde (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1215 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	282 pages

FREE

Letting It Go—A Bereaving Mother, Delinquent Girls, and the Power of Rehabilitative Poetry Therapy

"Anyone who has suffered and cares about our world (that probably includes everyone) will be moved and changed by this book.” ―Elizabeth Lesser, author of the New York Times bestseller Broken Open: How Difficult Times Can Help Us Grow 

Experience the poignant real-life story of how author Sharon Charde was saved by her relationship with incarcerated young women at Touchstone, a residential all-female treatment center in Litchfield, Connecticut. And, learn how these young women—confined for crimes such as using drugs, truancy, assault, prostitution, and running away—were rehabilitated by their poetry teacher.

Letting go of grief and loss by writing poetry as therapy. I Am Not a Juvenile Delinquent is a book for fans of the acclaimed movie Stand and Deliver. After the death of her child, a grief-stricken psychotherapist, teacher, and writer volunteers as a poetry teacher at a residential treatment facility for “delinquent” girls. Here, their mutual support nourishes and enriches each other, though not without large quantities of drama and recalcitrance. As Sharon and the girls share their losses through weekly writing, they came to realize their unlimited potential and poetic talents.

Healing from trauma. Healing can come in surprising ways across age and social class, as it did for both the girls and Sharon. But what happens when Sharon finally grasps that the most challenging experiences are the best teachers? Narrated in five parts, the book also contains poems written by the girls, as well as excerpts from their writing, Sharon’s son’s writing, and her own.

If you have read books such as Why are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?, For White Folks Who Teach in the Hood, The Freedom Writers Diary, Between the World and Me, So You Want to Talk about Race, or Reviving Ophelia; you will love I Am Not a Juvenile Delinquent.