Darryl was born in D.C. and grew up in Prince George’s County, Maryland. He was raised in a toxic household environment by two abusive parents. Darryl’s childhood left him confused and in pain.
Darryl never received the encouragement he needed to build his character and find himself in positive activities. He was intellectually curious and drawn to art at a young age, hanging Michealangelo and Leonardo da Vinci paintings on his bedroom wall. He had a dream of attending art school. However, he was not supported in his attempts to pursue his interests. Instead, Darryl fell victim to the life of the streets and the world of drug-dealing.
When Darryl discovered his father’s dead body when Darryl was around 15, Darryl unraveled and fully lost himself to the streets. The grief and trauma made Darryl self-destructive, as he turned to intoxicating substances such as alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, and PCP. As Darryl spiraled down the wrong path, he felt helpless and unable to take control over his destiny.
At 22, Darryl was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole following a drug deal gone wrong. Shortly after beginning his incarceration, Darryl’s profound remorse inspired him to commit himself to changing his life. Darryl determined that he needed to uproot who he was and replace him with someone better. Darryl immersed himself in self-improvement literature, pursued all available rehabilitative programs, reconnected with his childhood passion for art, and practiced discipline in his daily life. He soon caught the attention of other incarcerate people, as well as correctional officers, who took note of his talents and his positive influence on others.
Through natural maturation and his own concerted efforts, Darryl transformed himself into an inspirational mentor who preaches and practices peace and virtue. In his capacity as an art teacher, he has changed the lives of many individuals in Maryland prisons. Darryl founded and taught art courses at Jessup Correctional Institution (JCI) and North Branch Correctional Institution (NBCI), including curricula for incarcerated people with special needs. His students have included current individuals who have been released and gone on to be professional artists and legislative advocates. Darryl's own journey to academic success reflects his drive for excellence. He is currently enrolled in the competitive Georgetown College Bachelor of Liberal Arts program where he is majoring in Cultural Humanities.
Darryl prays for the chance to return home to spend quality time with his elderly mother, his two brothers, and other family. Together with his service-oriented fiancé, he hopes to spend the rest of his days helping to make the community a clean, safe, and decent place. He is confident in his ability to make a positive impact on troubled youth as an art instructor and mentor. He is also passionate about teaching visual arts to and empowering individuals with special needs.
Darryl never received the encouragement he needed to build his character and find himself in positive activities. He was intellectually curious and drawn to art at a young age, hanging Michealangelo and Leonardo da Vinci paintings on his bedroom wall. He had a dream of attending art school. However, he was not supported in his attempts to pursue his interests. Instead, Darryl fell victim to the life of the streets and the world of drug-dealing.
When Darryl discovered his father’s dead body when Darryl was around 15, Darryl unraveled and fully lost himself to the streets. The grief and trauma made Darryl self-destructive, as he turned to intoxicating substances such as alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, and PCP. As Darryl spiraled down the wrong path, he felt helpless and unable to take control over his destiny.
At 22, Darryl was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole following a drug deal gone wrong. Shortly after beginning his incarceration, Darryl’s profound remorse inspired him to commit himself to changing his life. Darryl determined that he needed to uproot who he was and replace him with someone better. Darryl immersed himself in self-improvement literature, pursued all available rehabilitative programs, reconnected with his childhood passion for art, and practiced discipline in his daily life. He soon caught the attention of other incarcerate people, as well as correctional officers, who took note of his talents and his positive influence on others.
Through natural maturation and his own concerted efforts, Darryl transformed himself into an inspirational mentor who preaches and practices peace and virtue. In his capacity as an art teacher, he has changed the lives of many individuals in Maryland prisons. Darryl founded and taught art courses at Jessup Correctional Institution (JCI) and North Branch Correctional Institution (NBCI), including curricula for incarcerated people with special needs. His students have included current individuals who have been released and gone on to be professional artists and legislative advocates. Darryl's own journey to academic success reflects his drive for excellence. He is currently enrolled in the competitive Georgetown College Bachelor of Liberal Arts program where he is majoring in Cultural Humanities.
Darryl prays for the chance to return home to spend quality time with his elderly mother, his two brothers, and other family. Together with his service-oriented fiancé, he hopes to spend the rest of his days helping to make the community a clean, safe, and decent place. He is confident in his ability to make a positive impact on troubled youth as an art instructor and mentor. He is also passionate about teaching visual arts to and empowering individuals with special needs.