“I went to jail for 4 years for some bad things down in East Hastings. I spent a lot of my years there — my 16 years. All the way up until I was 20 [I was] caught up in that lifestyle — whether that was drugs, selling drugs or other types of shit. I ended up getting charged. My whole life it’s been like that — my whole family’s into that type of stuff.

“But after 4 years of being away from everybody including them and being planted right in the middle, [I had] a choice. Either left or right. Left to family, friends downtown. Or right to what I’m doing now — by myself or meeting new people, hanging out, smoking weed, whatever. I find that basically starting brand new and fresh, this area is probably the better area to be in. Even though I’ve been here for my entire life, it’s like I’m seeing it for a new time, it’s beautiful, warm, and nice again.

“I got out June 30 [2021]. To be honest I didn’t think I was getting out. I prefer not to get my hopes up in situations like that. Something bad happens, violence or drug use. I tried to power read through whatever books I could read. When I found out, I was happy, but I was kinda a bit skeptical about where I was going and how things would happen when I was out, how long I would be able to stay out. Once I got on the bus ride and started driving through town, and seeing the other side of the fence, it was a good experience.

“‘You can’t love other people unless you love yourself.’ That’s probably the biggest thing I learnt in jail. You don’t end up loving anybody fully with as potential as you can or want to. So I learnt how to love myself and take care of myself. That's probably why I’m on the right side of the fence not the left side of the fence because I’m loving myself, not trying to be there for other people on Hastings in their addictions, trying to save other people when I can’t even save myself.

“Because of COVID, [jail] was kind of separated but I’d say there were three environments — getting caught up with bad people, doing you and being a good person…it really depends on your choices.

“When you get people in an area who don’t know how to talk about feelings, emotions, or whatever, It builds up. Things get violent. You punch somebody out if they say something stupid to you. I met quite a few different people — some friends there. Probably since I’ve gotten out I’ve met some of my better friends. I live in a halfway house right across the street over on Granville with people who’ve done their time. They’re probably the better influences and aren’t trying to go back to that lifestyle. They’re actually trying to better their lives for their kids.

“I found that after four years, taking a right and coming around this way and walking back around the city — down to the beaches — was probably one of the best feelings of my life — besides my son being born.

“I’m pretty sure when I see [my son] again after I figure out all the other stuff, that will probably be one of the greatest experiences of my life — besides him being born. He was born April 24, 2016. He has his baby mama’s green eyes, my red hair. He’s 6 years-old now. I’m not allowed to really see him. When I went to jail, she took custody and moved to the Island. Her father and grandpa died, and all that type of stuff. He’s been there ever since but he’s starting kindergarten soon. He’s one of the shining stars in my life. That’s what guides me right now.

“Have you been in contact with anyone in your past life?”

“Brothers, a couple of them, yes, Foster family, yes. But a lot of friends, no. Starting again right?”