It will impact me because I can help young people struggling with mental health problem be more comfortable with getting help the first time they recognize any sign that something is wrong.knowing first-hand how not asking for help can lead one on a path of destruction.i neglected the signs as well myself and I was not to embarrassed to go get help because of what I thought my peers would think,and I knew exactly what it was because for years I watched my brother struggle with the same sickness.it took for me to get to my lowest point in prison serving a 20 year sentence, trying to kill myself just because I was to afraid to ask for help.in 2013 I was at Sussex 2 state prison and I got around a group of guys who was struggling with the same illness and they recognized it in me because they had been where I was at,and they opened up to me and told me that they too had been diagnosed with mental health disorders.thats what made me open up to them because these were respected guys who were always upbeat and in good moods and overall majority of the time they just seemed truley happy

And the happiness that I saw in them reminded me of myself before I had my first episode.they let me know that people with mental health issues were not weak and we too could be happy everyday as long as we were truthful with ourselves first and foremost and ask for help when needed.after I asked for help my whole life changed and it's been a whole lot better ever since.not perfect,I still struggle but now I manage my mental health.and I want to use my life as a living testiment as to how easy managing ones mental health can be,and how me not asking for help cost me everything,being incarcerated for all these years of my life,away from my family.my daughter was one year old when I came to prison.missed out on her whole life.my grandmother's & grandfather who helped raise me alone with my mother have pasted away since I've been incarcerated.and the most precious thing that was lost was someone's life,and his loved ones suffered because I didn't know how to just ask for help.so I ask that you sign this petition in support of the governor granting my pardon.i do take responsibility for what I've done and I'm very remorseful.i was sentenced serve  85% of 20 years for second degree(17yrs) murder and use of firearm(3yrs)in a felony.thus far I have served 14 years and I am asking the governor to end my sentence early.i have received my GED,two vocational trades(Custodial Maintenance &Land Surveying) as well as completed program like;Anger Management, Thinking4 A Change, Breaking Barriers,12 step recovery and a strengthening mental health program call Coping with stress.i know that I have put in work on my mental, physical and spiritual to be ready to come out in society and be a productive man,father,brother and friend.i was 21years old at time of incarceration with no felonies on my record,I wasn't a problem child I was only sick,lost and scarde.i ask for support of the governor to Grant my pardon thank you