Reginald Dwayne Betts — From Prison to Yale Law School
Name: Reginald Dwayne Betts | State: Maryland
At 16 years old, Reginald Dwayne Betts made a decision that changed his life. Growing up in Maryland, Dwayne had been a strong student who loved books, but one serious choice sent his future in a completely different direction. He participated in an armed carjacking in Virginia, was tried as an adult, and received a nine-year prison sentence.
Dwayne could not undo the harm caused by his actions. He had to accept responsibility and live with the consequences. However, he eventually realized that his worst decision did not have to determine every decision that followed.
While incarcerated, Dwayne turned to books, writing and poetry. Reading helped him examine his life, understand the effects of his actions and imagine a different future. Instead of allowing anger and hopelessness to control him, he began making choices that supported his education and personal growth.
After leaving prison, Dwayne continued his education. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland and later graduated from Yale Law School. He became an accomplished poet, author and lawyer, using his experiences to promote justice and greater opportunities for people affected by incarceration.
Dwayne also founded Freedom Reads, an organization that provides carefully designed libraries and greater access to books inside prisons. In 2021, he received a prestigious MacArthur Fellowship for his work as a poet and advocate.
Dwayne's accomplishments do not erase his crime or the pain it caused. Instead, his story demonstrates what can happen when someone honestly accepts responsibility and commits to making better choices.
The Every Choice Matters Lesson
A mistake — especially a serious one — can have lasting consequences. But after making a mistake, you still have another choice to make. You can deny it, repeat it and allow it to control your future, or you can accept responsibility, learn from it and begin changing your direction.
Dwayne Betts could not rewrite the choice he made at 16, but he changed the choices he made afterward. One responsible decision led to another: reading a book, writing a poem, pursuing an education, earning a law degree and helping other people.
Your past is part of your story, but it does not have to become the final chapter. You cannot always change what happened yesterday, but the choices you make today can help create a better tomorrow.
Questions to Consider
- 1Is there a mistake you need to admit and take responsibility for?
- 2What lesson can you learn from it?
- 3Is there someone you need to apologize to or ask for help?
- 4What is one better choice you can make today?
Every choice matters — including the choice to learn, change and begin again.
Sources: MacArthur Foundation profile, Yale Law School profile, and Freedom Reads.