"Life as a" Series: Ex-felon

Students will hear first hand from Mendoor Smith, an individual who was a college student with an average GPA of 3.0 that made a decision that altered his life. He ended up selling illegal paraphernalia to help pay his way through college and was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Upon his release, he returned to school and completed his degree. He is now managing a company in Iowa, doing public speaking engagements, and working for Ako Samad, an Iowa State Representative, helping to oversee volunteer programs. He is an individual who has dispelled most beliefs regarding prisoners and recidivism.