By Tony Casson

The dental exam went in similar fashion–the dentist looked around and told me to put in a request (called a “cop-out”) to be added to the list to be seen for cleaning and filling. From what I have been told, the list requires a wait of 10-12 months, the same goes for optical.

Fortunately, since I am over 50 years old, I am entitled to a “complete physical” every year, otherwise I would only get one every two years.

Educationally speaking, there does seem to be some push to make sure people get at least a GED, and I am led to believe that the institution receives a bonus of $2500 for each person receiving one. But I have no way of verifying that.

There is a list of “self-study” courses that are available, so I picked one up on “writing a marketing plan”. Thought it might be interesting, and you do get “credit” for it. It’s a booklet that is actually informative, I had 7 days to complete it and return it, and the “final exam” consisted of 4 questions and was included with the booklet.

The recreational facilities available are far greater, better funded, better attended, and better supported, and while I would agree that recreation is important, I think education is more so.

I read before coming in here that the national literary rate is 96%, but the literary rate of incarcerated individuals is more like 50%! Continue reading “Great Expectations: Part II” →