Prisons are known for violence and crimes, but we often forget how the main purpose of such places – to reform and rebuild the ‘people’ involved in crimes. Some criminals that end up in a prison do not always have the full knowledge of what they were doing or the crimes they have committed. Some prisoners actually spend their sentences trying to get better and intend to become responsible and respectable members of society, once they have served their full sentence.

To New Beginnings

In order to encourage prisoners to look forward and make better plans for their futures, there are several activities such as arts and interactive activities to teach them respectable skills. But for the first time, Cal State LA has started an initiative that helps inmates earn a B.A. degree. This graduate program was created especially for students behind the bars in the region of California. Supported by former President, Obama’s ‘Second Chance Pell Federal Pilot Program,’ and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, this program is an attempt to give these students a second chance by helping them continue their education while they serve their sentences.

The Ceremony

The commencement was held at the prison’s progressive programming facility also known as PPF, which is a place that houses the men of prison, who exhibit good behavior and manners. Family members and friends of the graduates were allowed to gather and celebrate the success of these students.

A Wonderful Opportunity

Many of the graduates said they were truly for this second chance and that it gave them a chance to look at their lives differently. The students also expressed their gratitude and appreciation towards California State LA for getting an opportunity to step away from their current image in society. The commencement has paved a way for a potential new beginning of their lives.

It’s no secret that the current coronavirus pandemic is changing everyone’s lives. What we used to take for granted is now a luxury, and our world is being held together by people working on the frontline as they battle the disease, keeping our grocery stores stocked up, and taking care of the elderly. While it’s a tough time for everyone, there are many good samaritans out there, and this cake shop employee is definitely one of them.

A Birthday Tradition

Many people have traditions when it comes to their loved ones’ birthday, and Terri Zimmerman is one of those people. For as long as she can remember, she has bought her husband a Haagen-Dazs birthday cake to celebrate the big day. She wanted his birthday to be extra special this year as well, as he had been working incredibly hard as a pulmonologist in the ICU at a hospital in New Jersey.

Not Able To Deliver

However, with many stores closed because of the ongoing pandemic, Terri found herself in a sticky situation. The closest Haagen-Dazs store to her that was open was two hours away in New York – and that was just too far for her to travel. So, she called the cake shop and asked whether they had the means to deliver the cake, but once again, she hit a dead end. It wasn’t over for Terri and her husband’s birthday cake, though.

Explaining The Story

As Terri explained her story to the woman on the phone, 19-year-old employee Farrell Sefer, she was touched by what happened next. To honor the amazing work that her husband was doing, Farrell offered to drive the cake to Terri after she finished her shift. When she told her manager what she was doing, he noted that the cake was on the house and that Terri didn’t have to pay a cent!

It just goes to show the world is full of goodness.