Have you ever heard the expression "smartest dumb guy"? If we're friends, chances are you've remarked about how fitting this saying is for me. While at the border entrance on my return trip, I faced routine questioning by an agent.  Although I declared the medication, I also spun a tale about the meds being for my mom, not me. Long story short, that lie led to a guilty plea of "lying to a federal officer." Glamorous, right?
 

Now, let me be absolutely clear…. there’s a whole saga behind this…a tale for another day (if you wish to read that story, you'll find the link down below…soon). However equally important I need everyone to know – I messed up, big time. I had no business venturing to Mexico for painkillers, this is 100% my fault.

However, does it really matter anymore?  Regardless of whatever I/you think about my situation I have

now done the time and served the sentence. 

In total I ended up spending 11 months at the Leavenworth prison camp in Kansas. From day one,

I decided if I was going to fail this spectacularly, I would use this opportunity as a catalyst for growth.

I knew my flaws – laziness, entitlement, arrogance, and selfishness. The promise of delivering on

commitments, something once paramount to me, had faded. Right then, I vowed to turn things around.   I vowed that this place would never beat me.

So, I got to work.  I rolled up my sleeves. I took a job most people do not want and something I would never usually do.  I worked in the kitchen – cleaning tables and serving inmates.  I blitzed through a year-long paralegal program in under six months, earning  a 95% GPA. I took RDAP. I not only graduated but I also gave the commencement speech.

Within RDAP, I stepped into leadership roles, from core chair (the highest office in RDAP…think Leader of RDAP) to Tutoring and re-entry chair. I read over 150 books, accompanied by over 30 book reports. Plus, I shed over 70 pounds and got into the best shape of my life. But the thing I was most proud of was…helping fellow inmates navigate everything from wills and divorces to child custody and appeals. My efforts reduced inmates sentences by over 30 years cumulatively. I helped everyone I could.  EVERYONE!
 

I also wrote a weekly newsletter. What started as a little something for family and friends has grown into a read for hundreds of people all across the country. It's even opened doors to some pretty incredible opportunities, a friend believes a possible scholarship to a top ranked law school with living accommodations included. Which of course I am considering.

Now, I'm in my final stage of home confinement, working hard to rebuild the relationships I damaged. I'm beyond grateful for the unwavering support of friends and family every step of the way.  I am no way fixed but I have made incredible strides and I have a newfound sense of purpose and happiness.  I have reminded myself what I am capable of. 

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I will once again be the friend/son I want to be.  I will once again be a force to be reckoned with.  I know it will be hard…after all I am now a felon…. But I am excited to have my life back.  I’m excited to move forward

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(FULL STORY In Blog Section under "Scott Carper - Arrest Story")