Ohio Felon Wants an Education and a Job

Ohio Felon Wants an Education and a Job

Hello Sir,

My name is Chaz and I live in Columbus Ohio.  I recently got out of prison for drug offenses.  I did four years and in that time I got a GED.  I was proud to get it because I dropped out of high school and got into the drug game.  If anyone is reading this and think they will be a millionaire in the game, give it up now.  That’s what I thought and now at age 26, I have nothing to show for it.

I am grateful that my family hung in with me and didn’t give up on me.  Now instead of me causing them heartache, I want to make them proud of me.  Now that I have a GED, I want to go to college and make something of myself.  What type of career can I get with my background?  I know being a felon is not going to make things easy for me but if I can get through prison, I feel like I can do anything.  Please give me some direction.

Ohio Felon Wants an Education and a Job

Hello Chaz,

I love reading stories like yours.  Felons and ex-offenders can turn their lives around if they are willing to put in the work.  You sound like a smart guy and the fact that you decided to turn things around is great.  If you get a chance, take a few moments to read this story about one of my students, Real Stories of Ex-offenders and Felons looking for Jobs.

My best suggestion to you is to find something you would love to to.  Whatever you love, you can make a living at.  Think of what you would do for nothing.  As far as going to college, speak to the guidance department of the college you would like to attend.  You will get insight on what fields may be open to you and how to best go about it.  You may also get information on how to finance your education which will be a concern.

Before pursuing your education, you will most likely need a job to support yourself.  My next suggestion is one I make to every ex-offender and felon I meet, go to your local One-stop Career Center.  Your local One-stop will provide a number of job search resources that can help you get employed.  Resume preparation, interviewing skills, computers, fax machines, copiers and other resources for you to use.  You will also find lists of available jobs in your area.  Each center also has trained counselors who provide one-on-one assistance to help you on your job search and put you in touch with other resources in your area.  The may also know of felon-friendly employers in the area.  Counselors can also help you find career training opportunities.  The center in Columbus is:

COWIC

1111 East Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43205

I hope this is of help to you

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