The moment Carlos Rebollo found a book in the prison library became a pivotal point in his life. He was sitting on a metal bench, surrounded by the harsh reality of his surroundings, when he realized that he could control his understanding of the world through reading. In that dimly lit room, filled with the echoes of distant conversations and the weight of his past, Carlos began to see a different path for his life. It was a stark contrast to the chaotic environment of his childhood, where his home was filled with the fear of an abusive mother and a drug addicted, violent father.
Growing up as the second oldest of eight siblings in a cramped four bedroom apartment, Carlos’s formative years were anything but stable. By the time he was fifteen, the chaotic whirlwind of his upbringing led him down a path that would change his life forever. Sentenced to 45 years in a Connecticut state prison, Carlos was thrust into an adult world that was unforgiving and harsh. He often reflected on how his environment had shaped his decisions, pushing him into criminal activities that he felt were his only options.
It was here, amid the noise of prison life, that he faced the stark realities of his choices and the emotional turmoil that had haunted him since childhood. But it was during this time that Carlos began to turn his life around. He realized that he had the power to change his narrative. Through education, he found a way to break free from the chains of his past.
Carlos earned an associate’s degree in Psychology and even became a student at Yale University. He immersed himself in learning, not just as a way to pass the time, but as a means to reshape his identity and purpose. This experience opened his eyes to new possibilities and equipped him with the tools he needed to prepare for life after prison.
As Carlos navigated the complexities of incarceration, he recognized the importance of mentorship and proactive communication. He reached out, made phone calls, and wrote letters to establish connections that would support him once he was released. He understood that his success depended not only on his education but also on the relationships he built during his time behind bars. This proactive mindset helped him to see beyond the prison walls and envision a future filled with potential.
After serving 24 years of his sentence, Carlos was released just three months before our podcast conversation. The world outside was different, yet he felt a sense of purpose brewing within him. Now a full time student at the University of New Haven, he is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in multi platform journalism. Carlos is dedicated to sharing his story, not just as a personal reflection, but as a call to action for others who may find themselves trapped in similar cycles of violence and despair.
He aims to advocate for changes in legislation regarding juvenile incarceration, drawing from his own experiences to push for a system that understands and rehabilitates rather than merely punishes. Carlos recounted a childhood incident where he faced racism, which deeply influenced his decisions and led him to adopt criminal behaviors to fit in with his peers. This moment, like many others, became a touchstone for understanding his journey. He learned that the choices we make are often influenced by the worlds we inhabit, and he was determined to break that cycle for himself and others.
In sharing his narrative, Carlos embodies the belief that education and mentorship can be powerful agents for change. He reflects on the importance of being proactive and seeking guidance, emphasizing that these factors were critical in preparing him for life beyond prison walls. His story is not just about overcoming obstacles; it is about embracing the possibilities that lie ahead and using one’s voice to advocate for those still caught in the throes of a broken system. Carlos Rebollo’s journey serves as a reminder that every individual has the capacity for change.
It is a testament to the transformative power of education and the importance of community support. As he continues to pursue his studies and advocate for reform, he embodies the hope that with the right tools and mindset, anyone can rewrite their story. In the end, it is not just about where we come from, but where we choose to go from here.