Michele Weight is a junior English education major who participated in "Woman is the Word"
 during the Fall 2004 semester.  On campus, she is involved in Sigma Tau Delta, the English honor
 society, and works as an office assistant in one of the freshman residence halls.

 Q: What were your greatest worries or hesitations when you signed up to do this
 project? What ultimately pushed you to take on the challenge?

 A: Before going into the prison I had many of the misconceptions about prison and the women in
 it that anyone might have.  I was afraid that the women might be violent or emotionally distant,
 for example.  More than that though, I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to reach or influence
 the women.  This was my first teaching experience and so I was worried about running the
 classroom and commanding the women’s respect while at the same time making this a fun
 experience for the class.

 I actually approached Dr. Tarter and asked her if I could participate in "Woman is the Word."  I
 was feeling this strong urge inside to reach out to women in need and I couldn’t ignore it any
 longer.  I knew about the prison project and felt that it would lead me to fulfilling that urge.  I
 didn’t even think about the challenges involved at first, it was just something that I HAD to do.

 Q: How did you see yourself changing throughout the duration of the course? How did 
 the prisoners change? How did their transformation affect you?

 A: From the very beginning I could feel my eyes and mind opening up to the world around me. 
 Working in the prison has given me a greater understanding of womanhood, politics, family, love
 and human interactions. 

 The women changed as well, at least as much as they could within the confines of the system. 
 Some of them were writing creatively for the first time in their lives and the sense of self-worth
 and accomplishment they developed was evident in a new sparkle in their eyes.  After a few
 weeks, they were more open and driven in their writing; they developed the courage to face
 their pasts.

 Seeing the women change like this gave me a great sense of accomplishment as well.  These
 women have touched my life as much, if not more, as they have touched mine.

 Q: Have you seen Lorna Johnson's documentary "Freedom Road"? What were your
 reactions to it?

 A: When I was watching the documentary I was surprised to see some of the very same
 hallways and iron gates I see every Thursday.  Everything you see in that video is REAL.  I loved
 that she filmed some family members of the women--family is a very important to the women in
 the prison.  Overall, I was very touched by the film and am glad that there is someone out there
 telling the truth about the realities of prison life.

 Q: What career are you aspiring towards and will your experience with "Woman is the
 Word" affect your approach to it in any way?

 A: I plan to teach English at the high school level.  Like I said, this is a great teaching
 experience.  Plus, if I ever teach in an urban school I am sure that knowing these women’s
 experiences will give me a greater understanding of what my students may be going through.   I
 am considering going to graduate school for a number of things, including Drug and Alcohol
 Counseling.  Most of the women I have met in the prison have a history of drug use or are in the
 prison for drug use.   Meeting these women and reading their stories will give me an edge in that
 field as well, one that not many others will have.

 Go back to the "Woman is the Word" page