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The artwork displayed here was created and submitted by participants of the Incarcerated Scholars Conference. We are honored to share these creative works publicly to celebrate the talent, voice, and vision of the artists.

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Incarcerated Scholars Conference Art Gallery 2026

A Poetic Reflection to My First College Class

Victor Bandala-Martinez

Knox College, Peace and Justice Studies

Ilinois

‍As I reached for my pencil, my pad, and all of my sparks,
I took my first leap into a new path.

I have wandered these woods before and I have walked these grasses too.
Yet, my self-doubts and anxieties are at full.

I have ran from the bees, wrestled a few lions, and fought some gorillas too.
Yet, these new giants have questioned my truth.

What’s to be say, or to be understood?
If I am not speaking their language I will be just a fool.
It’s time for me to challenge myself and find my way up soon.

First, I must wash the dirt off my roots;
get rid of the grays and meet the new blues;
start to cook, share, and digest the new foods.
Maybe one day I’ll grow as big as them too.

As I cleansed my old pad and sharp my new pencil,
I caught the reflexion of a different person –
a fearless man who is willing to take the risk.
To hell my anxieties, I can’t wait for my next leap.

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Artist Statement

"A Poetic Reflection To My First College Class" is a sustained metaphor for the adventure of a small creature in the jungle, whose accumulative nature describes how small, anxious, insecure, ready, energetic, and inspired I was feeling when I attended my first college class. But in reality, this poetic reflection represents every class I ever attended--and the ones to come, which is always the fear to step out of my comfort zone and the willingness, self-trust, and dedication required to overcome that fear of failure.

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If you are the artist of an artwork featured in this gallery and want it removed, please reach out to alliance@higheredinprison.org

Welcome to the ISC Art Gallery!

To view the gallery, please read:

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Art Gallery

A Poetic Reflection to My First College Class

A Poetic Reflection to My First College Class

Victor Bandala-Martinez

Knox College, Peace and Justice Studies

Ilinois

Artist Statement

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