Looking back on my time in the Diakon Youthful Offenders Program, the biggest change I’ve noticed in myself is my moral compass, which is definitely stronger now—I think differently now and am much more open-minded. I’ve also learned what it really means to be grateful. It’s not just about the big things but being thankful for the little things, too.

One of the biggest moments for me was when I realized I had to deal with problems right away. Before, I might have just let things slide, but in this program, you learn to handle things like conflict better. At first, it was tough, but I learned that even the hard stuff has its lesson. Everything has a greater outcome, and even the challenges are worth it in the end. The program also taught me not to take life for granted. A lot in life can be unpredictable, and I’ve learned to appreciate what I have.