Beyond the Bars Impact Class & the Challenges of Re-Entry

The KO Impact class Behind the Bars continues to make a profound impression on students as they dive deep into the complexities of the U.S. criminal justice system. The course, designed to explore incarceration, rehabilitation, and re-entry, recently hosted two powerful guest speakers who brought firsthand perspectives to the classroom: Tara Brooks from the Department of Corrections and Calvin Arey, a formerly incarcerated individual who has since turned his life around.

On September 22, 2025, Tara Brooks visited the class to share insight from her work with the Department of Corrections. Her visit coincided with a discussion of The Master Plan by Chris Wilson and Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson—two works that highlight hope, justice, and redemption in the face of systemic barriers.

Brooks detailed how the Department of Corrections communicates with individuals preparing for re-entry, explaining the often-overlooked process of applying for pardons and the bureaucratic and social challenges that accompany reintegration into society. It’s not just about serving time, Brooks said. It’s about building a life afterward, and that’s often the most challenging part.

Students were highly engaged throughout the discussion, asking numerous questions about everything from the pardon process to community support systems available for re-entering citizens. The conversation brought to life many of the themes they had encountered in their readings—particularly the importance of second chances and systemic change.

A few days later, students welcomed Calvin Arey, whose story of resilience and recovery gave a deeply personal look at the human side of incarceration. Arey shared candidly about his struggles with alcoholism, which led to multiple prison sentences. He celebrated 38 years of sobriety, reflecting on how staying sober after his final release allowed him to rebuild his life, maintain steady employment, and embrace a positive, “normal” lifestyle.

Once a real estate agent in Boston, Arey now dedicates his time to helping others through the Prison Book Program, which provides reading materials to incarcerated individuals. His story echoed many of the themes found in The Master Plan—the idea that education, purpose, and self-discipline can serve as powerful tools for transformation.

Students were also encouraged to explore Arey’s experiences further through articles written about his journey, including “An End to Bread & Water,” “The Unbroken,” and “Ripples.”

Through these visits, the KO Impact class continues to bridge classroom learning with real-world experience, offering students a deeper, more empathetic understanding of the U.S. prison system. By hearing directly from people who work within it and those who have lived through it, students gain a more nuanced perspective on justice, rehabilitation, and the enduring challenges of re-entry.