Preparing for What Comes Next

When Nauschkoniwaheegh Hamilton was 6 years old, he was adopted by his grandparents. His mom and dad abused drugs, and eventually his mother was sent to federal prison.

"My dad, he just wasn't there," Nauschkoniwaheegh says. "He just decided not to be in my life."

'THE ONE WHO HEALS'

"Before I got locked up, I was just heavy into drugs," he says. "I'd like to steal a lot. Steal anything I could get my hands on."

He was sent to prison on charges of attempted robbery. He's been incarcerated at the Nebraska Correctional Youth Facility for three years and six months.

"I got a year left. I'll have just turned 21 [when I'm released]."

GROWING UP IN THE PRISON YARD

Since entering prison, Nauschkoniwaheegh has begun to change. He's a follower of Jesus Christ now, reads his Bible, and attends Bible studies and similar classes.

"I finished school while I was here," he adds. "Since I've been here, I've changed by being more mature; not being so belligerent and rebellious. I listen to people more."

Now he tries to be a good role model for his fellow prisoners, especially the younger ones.

PREPARING FOR WHAT COMES NEXT

Nauschkoniwaheegh has one year left on his sentence, and he's already thinking about the future. He's discovered a love for art that he hopes to pursue once he's outside the prison walls. He wants a steady job, and he'd like to start a family one day.

He's taken steps to ensure he's prepared—attending classes and Alcoholic Anonymous meetings. Still, he knows it will be a struggle when he reenters society.

"I hope I don't get locked back up when I get out. Or I don't do anything stupid," Nauschkoniwaheegh muses. "Hopefully I'll just take all of the advice everyone is telling me and not go back to the same people when I go out, and not use any drugs."