My name is Vanita Frazier and I am currently serving a natural life sentence for the 1996 death of my abusive paramour. I was young, in love and incapable of making emotionally intelligent decisions at the time. I mistook controlling for care. Abuse for attentiveness and adoration. When I was arrested I was railroaded into making a confession without consideration for what guilt really means, viable self-defenses or the long-term consequences of waiving my rights. I came to prison as a victim of abuse. A victim of inadequate legal defense. A victim of a flawed justice system. But today I am no longer a victim but I am victorious. Even though I am serving this natural life sentence I have found a way to turn my tragedy into triumph. I have allowed this time and this system to shape me into a better woman. I am a mentor and a peer-facilitator. It is my goal to be allowed an opportunity to reenter society and continue to have a positive impact on my community. I have exhausted all remedies with the exception of refiling for a clemency. I am desperately seeking legal assistance, advocates or anyone willing to help make this a reality by looking past the surface and seeing who I am today.