My name is Leonard E Lawson Sr. and I need help! PLEASE! I grew up poor and in a very mentally and physically abusive house hold. My mother held a gun to my head when I was 12 years old and my dad beat me bloody on a regular basis. I really didn't think I would make it to be an adult.I'm not sure if thats why I made so many bad decisions as a young adult but I made those decisions and I take all the blame. The bad choices I've made has made it very hard on me as an older adult trying to get his life together. I've been to prison multiple times,lived on the streets for many years,was addicted to drugs and ate out of trash cans on a regular basis. I tried to snap myself out of my frame of mind in 1996 by enrolling in a Medical Assistant program (UEI of San Diego). To do this, I had to apply for financial aid and a few loans. I didn't know then what I know now so my efforts to better myself failed and I went back to the streets after failing to complete the Medical Asst.course. Needless to say,I wasn't able to payback the loans and they went into default. I wound up in prison fighting for my life! I've faced life in prison twice and went through two trials. I was convicted of petty theft with a pryor in 2002 and because I had a strike on my record, I got double the time with 80%,that gave me a lil over two years in prison for taking a bicyle,I was 36 at the time. My family turned their backs on me and all my friends dissappeared,I had hit rock bottom and cried sooooo hard. While in prison,I vowed to make a change but I had no idea it would be so hard to erase and correct the bad decisions I've made. Well here it is 5 years after getting released from prison and I'm still adament about turning my life around. I've made so much progress! I"ve went to many programs to help me get a better attitude and shake my bad habbits. I also learned that I have much love for people,ALL people! I've been off drugs for many years and have salvaged some relationships within my family. I don't curse anymore,I keep a smile on my face,I'm courteous,go to church and help others when I can. I also learned I have a really incredable talent that I can use as a career. My art is wonderful and it puts smiles on everyones face that happends to see it. This is where I need help! Because of my felony record(I have to wait 5 more years to be eligable to pettition to have them expunged) ,the ecconomy and a bad knee (7 pins and a metal plate) it's very hard to find a job. The only thing I have left is to better myself through education. This way I can earn a living and become a total productive member of society. Also I would like to be an inspiration for others ,young and old to let them know JUST DONT GIVE UP!! But it all starts with getting an education which cost money that I don't have and the governments grants aren't available to me because of my default loan from 1996. So here I am! Asking and praying for some help. Can you please help me? please?? Thanks so much for listening!
Leonard E Lawson Sr.
