There are many second chance stories in progress. Some people
have just realized that they have received a second chance. Others are
in the middle of doing something productive with them. Some have had
success and are finding ways to give back. All are inspiring and motivating in their
own ways.
PUPPIES BEHIND BARS
This program has given countless second chances to wounded war
vets coming home from Iraq and Afghanistan as well as the inmates that
train these service dogs.
The video below is from 2008. Watch more videos from 2009 at these websites:
Raphael Johnson believes in second chances, makes the most with his, and works towards the hope that people will not be judged by only the worst thing they ever did as teenagers.
He was a teenager and captain of his highschool football team. On his first day of college, Johnson was in jail instead, to begin his almost 13 years of incarceration after being convicted of murder. He read over 1300 books, got certified as a carpenter, plumber, electrician, and a paralegal. After being released, he received his bachelors and masters, became a motivational speaker and a fitness coach, and won a primary election for a seat on the Detroit City Council.
Johnson wrote in an article for Newsweek:
"There are countless examples of
former juvenile offenders like myself who, given the opportunity to be
contributing members of society, have done great things. Former senator Alan
Simpson committed a serious federal offense as a juvenile (destroying
government property) but became a GOP leader. Terry Ray was a violent repeat
offender but became an assistant U.S. attorney. Charles Dutton was convicted of
manslaughter at 17 but became a respected actor and director. Dozens of studies
show that overwhelming majorities of juvenile offenders mature out of
committing crimes."
Is it prudent or wise to sentence teens to life in prison without parole? The Supreme Court will hear arguments next month on two cases that will decide if it constitutional.
Newsweek.com; article by Raphael Johnson; photo of jail yard by Paul Sancya
Lucas Murray uses echolocation to see the world around him.
A 7 year old boy, who is blind, shows us how he can see by using his ears.
Lucas was timid before he learned echolocation. His the
parents who now believe in his limitless life, found Daniel Kish, a blind psychologist
who not only taught Lucas the technique to see by listening, but also
to believe in himself.
According to ABCnews.com: the technique called echolocation allows Lucas "to 'see' the world around him, (when) he clicks his tongue on the roof of his mouth and listens to the echo that bounces back. From the sound, he can make out the location, depth and shape of objects around him, allowing him to navigate even unfamiliar areas."
His mom, Sarrah Lucas, told Ki Mae Heussner: "... Lucas has become more mobile than (we) ever imagined, running with friends, playing basketball and jumping on a trampoline -- all on his own. "
ABCnews.com; article by: Ki Mae Heussner; photo by: Sarrah Murray
Cameron Clapp, an amputee, goes around the country teaching teenagers about underage drinking.
He told ValleyCentral.com: "I was hit by a freight train when I was 15. I know that
students in junior high and high school can be vulnerable to danger because of
their behavior. My message is that with a little bit of faith, anyone can overcome any obstacle life throws at them."
ValleyCentral.com; article by Katie Lopez; photos by Valley Central and Action4 News
She took hold of her second chance to graduate high school and did it.
In
Ontario, CA, the graduating class was expecially emotional. Prado was
a good example among them. High School took her through pregnancy,
familiy problems, working from the time she was 16, jumpiing around
from school to school, and moving in with her brother. Determination
helped her to not give up on herself and her studies.
