Editor:

My name is William Sherrill, I’m 27 years old and have lived a long, hard life. I had a drug problem that led into legal trouble. I was sentenced to the Eastern Ohio Correctional Center, where I successfully completed their rehabilitation program and have even continued my recovery with the After Care Program at the Counseling Center.

I recently applied to Youngstown State University where I am having difficulty getting accepted because of my criminal record. I have almost one year sober, and have been working very hard to get my life in order.

We live in a country that incarcerates more of its population than any other country in the world. They are quick to lock you up, but when it comes time for you to get your life back they don’t want to help you at all.

They truly do not understand how hard it is to overcome the hardships. All I want is to give my beautiful son a better life in hopes that he doesn’t have to experience the things I have in my life. And every time I try to get ahead, I get stonewalled. When will it end? How do they expect us to change the over crowding in the prisons if they won’t help people rehabilitate themselves?

William Sherrill

Columbiana