A letter from the student
To Mr. Wilkinson's students:
My name is Juan Perez. I'm a 20-year-old Mexican American serving a 60-year sentence at Green Bay Correctional Institution. Let me tell you a little bit about myself -- about how I messed up -- and I can only hope that each of you will learn something that will help you.
I was a student at Marquette High School. I dropped out at the beginning of my sophomore year. Everyone had said that I was the last person they thought would've failed. I did fail, and that's why I'm writing to you all now.
I came to Marquette from a grade school that was 95 percent Latino. My first problem was trying to find my place in a new school that was almost 90 percent White. At first I made an effort to fit in and socialize with other students. I tried, but not hard enough. In my mind, I saw them as different people who didn't think like I did, so I gave up and didn't participate in the school's activities.
I now realize that we live in a world with a lot of different people. To succeed in the world, or in school, you need to make an effort to communicate and cooperate with everyone. You can't isolate yourself with just your own kind. Even here in prison you can't do well unless you integrate and get along with everyone.
One of my biggest mistakes was not asking for help. My pride kept me from admitting that I was having problems. I knew Marquette had people who were there to help, but I didn't take advantage of them. I tried doing everything by myself, but you can't do it by yourself. And you should never feel ashamed when you are feeling overwhelmed.
I also wasn't involved enough in school activities. Again I made the mistake of isolating myself. We all have the need to be part of a group. I turned to my compas, who I let bring me down. I'm not saying you should turn your back on your old friends. Just don't let anyone bring you down.
At the end, I had just given up, and in a moment filled with fear and confusion, I committed a violent act. I don't want you to face a terrible moment like that. I hope that someday all Marquette students will feel accepted and that you will reach out when you need help.
If any of you would like to write to me, my address is below. Good luck, and I pray that none of you fails.
Juan Perez