Women Behind Bars Tuesdays at 10p|9c

Alicia Williamson


I wake up every morning at 2:30 a.m. and I thank God for giving me life, health and strength. This is my quiet time with God. Also during that time I wake up several people for showers because usually the officers are not available to do it, so I take responsibility in doing that. I arrive at my work place, "The Governor’s Mansion" about 8:30 a.m. every morning where I’m a housekeeper for the First Family of North Carolina. In June I will be working there for two years. I do various duties such as ironing, laundry and walking the first dogs on occasions. I truly enjoy working there. I’m there five-and-a-half hours, Monday through Friday. I’m only paid $1.00 per day but it’s not about the pay to me. It’s about getting back into society. Working outside the unit really helps me focus on my future. Being in prison has its ups and downs. What I mean is that you can excel to excellence by everything that you can to re-enter society or you can sit in here and do absolutely nothing. There are times when it’s really hard in here, especially when your fellow inmates are bickering amongst one another, or the officers are in a foul mood and they take it out on you or someone else, or the rules change on a daily basis. Things are not consistent in prison. Where I am there is no definite order at all. It can be very stressful. Now there are positives in prison believe it or not. I’m a member of Kairos, a spiritual organization that comes in once a month for retreats. I’m also a member of the gospel choir in which I’m the secretary and I’m also a member of the praise dance team. While being in prison I’ve learned several new skills, such as how to make dentures. I was in the dental class for a while that they offer. I also work at the duplicating plant where I learned to drive a fork lift and I also learned how to operate printing equipment. I’ve obtained a small business certificate from Wake Tech. I’ve participated in Mother Read which I truly enjoy. I get to go out on CV passes with my sponsor as well. I attend an outside church; go shopping, out to eat, to the movies, etc. It’s hard at times being a woman in prison because for one, it’s really hard being away from my children and my family. There are times we don’t have enough sanitary items when we really need them (pads, tampons, tissue, etc.). It’s hard when you’re hungry and you’re not getting enough to eat. I really miss working and making a living for my family. I was in the medical profession and I truly enjoyed helping people. I also miss spending quality with my two children. The only regret I have is that I’m away from my children and my family. Also I regret that both families had to suffer through this ordeal. If I could leave prison for one day, I would spend that time with my children although in all actuality they deserve more than just one day.