I started my college career struggling to find direction. Uncertain what to pursue academically, and how to sustain myself financially, I erroneously started to sell marijuana. What started small accrued to become a large enterprise. I continued in this direction for almost two years. Things changed at the end of 2015. I started to find my place in the world, under the guidance of amazing professors and mentors. It was at this point where I looked to my long term goals and future. I realized that my illegal activities were only going to lead me to a life in prison. I terminated all my connections to the marijuana industry and went 100% in my academic studies, research, and tutoring. Two years later, I was about to be accepted into a neuroscience PhD program at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. My past haunted me, casting a shadow over me. Right when the future seemed the brightest, all that I had worked so hard for was taken from me. In 2017, I was arrested for conspiracy to deliver THC >10,000 grams. While I was living a better life, my past associates were not. One by one, they were caught selling, and in turn told their story of how the enterprise began. Due to my arrest, I was expelled from the University of Wisconsin school system for non-academic misconduct. I was on my way to graduating with a 3.8 GPA in biochemistry. Now I couldn't even stop onto the grounds of the university, and facing prison time. For two years I fought my criminal case, but ultimately settled on a plea deal of a 10 year sentence (5 years confinement, 5 years extended supervision). April 19, 2024, I was released from my five year incarceration. Although life in prison can be hard, I capitalized on any opportunity that arose. I completed 500 hours of community service by rehabilitating abused dogs through the Fox Valley Humane Society. In addition, I assisted 100+ inmates with formulating resumes, to assist with their re-entry into society. I gained valuable hands-on skills working as a maintenance mechanic and obtained a certificate in masonry/bricklaying. Every second of free time, I exercised my mind and body, reading and working out. I believe this is my second chance. Without a strong support network, I would not be where I am today. I accredit my family, friends, and many professional peers. The Chancellor at the UW-Stevens Point provided me my first opportunity to redeem myself, and lifted my expulsion from the University of Wisconsin school system. UW-Green Bay offered me my second opportunity, by accepting me in their computer science program. I hope that you may offer me my next step in a positive direction by assisting me in my education. I hope to be a totem to people facing adversity and challenges. That it is never too late for one to change their life for the better. Thank you, Calvin Berndt