Victor Hugo

I remember reading books by Victor Hugo and getting inspired. His story Les Misérables influenced my journey through prison, helping me to both accept the challenges I had to go through, but also anticipate the challenges that would await me upon release.

I wasn’t like Jean Valjean, the virtuous protagonist who went to prison out of desperation. I made the bad decision of selling cocaine for selfish reasons. Still, I saw my own journey reflected in his story of redemption. Valjean’s path from hardship to hope inspired me to commit to my own reinvention—a commitment that became the cornerstone of my time in prison and my life afterward.

Victor Hugo may have written Les Misérables as a novel to entertain readers. For me, the story offered hope, giving me a guide to resilience. It fortified my commitment to learn lessons on how to develop strength despite overwhelming obstacles. It taught me to focus on becoming better, not bitter, no matter the circumstances.

Like the character Valjean, who dedicated himself to a life of contribution, I chose to commit to a plan built on three pillars:

1. Educating Myself: Valjean gained knowledge and skills that helped him rebuild his life after release. Similarly, I understood that education was essential to my transformation. By learning continuously, I could grow intellectually and spiritually, preparing myself for a better future.
2. Contributing to Society: Valjean made sacrifices for others, always seeking ways to uplift those around him. His example reminded me that no matter where I was, I could find ways to contribute. Writing, mentoring, and advocating for others allowed me to create value even within the confines of prison.
3. Building a Support Network: Valjean’s life improved when he connected with others who saw his worth beyond his past. Inspired by this, I sought to nurture relationships with people who believed in me and who could help me sustain my growth upon release.
   

I also took to heart the lesson of Inspector Javert. No matter how much Valjean changed, Javert refused to see him as anything other than a criminal. Javert reminded me that some people will always judge us by our worst decisions, holding onto anger or bitterness. Yet Valjean showed me that their judgment didn’t have to define my life. Instead, I could focus on becoming the best version of myself, regardless of what others thought.

Classical literature like Les Misérables can serve as a mirror, helping us see our own struggles and potential more clearly. It can inspire us to think critically about our choices and find strength in stories of redemption, hope, and perseverance. The lessons I learned from Hugo’s masterpiece strengthened my resolve to transform my life by focusing on education, contribution, and connection.

‍