by Alaina Hanke

Working at the Expungement Help Desk for the Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic has been a very positive and eye-opening experience. I work face to face with people who have experienced the injustices of our criminal justice system, looking for a second chance to change their lives around. The system does not give people this opportunity because, although they served their time, the punishment continues on as they are unable to find jobs, apply for housing, apply for welfare, and much more. The vast majority of people coming to get their records expunged are grateful, positive, and happy, even when they had a challenging life story or an unjust experience. The hopeful attitudes of the people who come for expungement has stuck with me the most because of their ability to persevere and remain positive through such tough and unimaginable circumstances. This has caused me to really reflect on my vocation because it has shown me what my true interests, motivations, and passions are. It has led me to realize that I want to take my future in a direction that helps people, specifically with mental health within the prison system and with prisoner reentry. I have learned that doing direct work within the community and with people is something that is important to me because I want to be there to listen to someone’s story when other people may not have listened, I want to give people the benefit of the doubt, I want to help people change if they are ready to change, and I want to be a support system for those that need it. This internship has shown me how so many people’s lives have been ruined by our criminal justice system, rather than repaired, but expungement gives them the chance to repair it. At my internship, we created a poster that poses the question of “What will you do with your second chance?” We laid out cards so that people can write what they want to do with their new shot at life since their record won’t hold them back anymore. The responses are great and so many people have big plans for their futures. It is such a great thing to see every day when walking into work, knowing that I could help someone live the successful life that they deserve.