Promoting equitable access to higher education
In these conversations, we share personal stories of life before, during, and after incarceration. Through personal story-telling, we expose systems and inequities that shaped our experiences, shining light on the deep structures of racial, gender, and economic injustice. We are equally interested in the role of education and community-building in helping us to heal and help others heal and in helping us to make change not only in our lives but in the world around us. Through MyTERN Conversations, we challenge ourselves and our listeners to rethink entrenched stereotypes about people impacted by the carceral state. We investigate assumptions and judgements about difference and diversity and celebrate growth, healing, education, friendship, and the power of collective civic impact.
A project dedicated to this topic is one dedicated to humanity, equality, education through civic engagement, and justice. Learn directly from formerly incarcerated men and women: join the MyTERN Conversations.
Eugene Ivey, Kurry Harbour, and Aaron Smith explore connections between their early life experiences, including their concepts of masculinity and self worth based on the role models they had or didn’t have, and their experiences with addiction, incarceration, and self transformation.
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In this episode, Bobby Iacoviello, Hector Bannister and Martin O’Brien discuss their experiences with the US court system. They consider how and when the legal system strips people of their individual voices and the many systemic flaws of our capitalist, carceral state. Finally, they offer insights into how they can reclaim their voices and seek accountability and healing through alternative forms of justice.
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Thank you for listening to the MyTERN Podcast. The MyTERN program is a Tufts University-accredited program, providing education, mentorship, and career development support to — and by — those who have been directly impacted by the criminal justice system. MyTERN’s objective is to provide an opportunity for each participant to rediscover and reframe their skills, interests, responsibilities, and commitments. This podcast is created and produced in partnership with Tufts University’s Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life and the Bridging Differences Grant Program. Music brought to you by Elmer Pleit. Cover art brought to you by Rahim Gray (Instagram: @rahimgrayart). Learn more or support MyTERN at TUPIT.org.
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Four students in the MyTERN program discuss their daily struggles with mental health and its impact on life post-incarceration.
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Bobby Iacoviello and Chaiya Chan discuss their connections before and after incarceration, and the role of changing and saving the lives of those they care about. From coaching football to keeping restorative justice circles, these two MyTERN students work to prevent youth from falling victim to the streets. Bobby and Chaiya reflect on the importance of mentoring, supporting communities, and relationship building.
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