Alex Acuna’s journey through college took a unique path—one that began within the confines of a correctional facility cell. After serving 25 years, Acuna emerged into a world vastly different from the one he left behind. Adjusting to life outside bars presented a multitude of challenges, from sensory overload to financial strain. But amidst the chaos, one constant remained: his dedication to education.
“The transition from being inside to being outside has been a major shift on so many levels,” Acuna reflects. “It’s hard to describe, which can be isolating. But having something that I can hold on to as I acclimate to life out here serves as a lifeline.”
For Acuna, that lifeline was Southwestern College (SWC), where he pursued a degree in Sociology. Despite the hurdles he faced, including the looming threat of homelessness or re-incarceration, Acuna found solace in the supportive community fostered by SWC.
“School gives me something to focus on while I grow into this new existence,” he explains. “But that would not be possible without Raquel.”
Raquel Funches, Restorative Justice and Other Off-Campus Programs Director, a dedicated advocate both inside and outside the prison walls, played a pivotal role in Acuna’s journey.
“The willingness to help and the sincere desire to see me succeed goes beyond just doing her job,” he emphasizes. “She held my hand through the process, and where I couldn’t figure it out, she happily tied my shoes for me.”
Reflecting on his time behind bars, Acuna recalls the camaraderie among his fellow incarcerated students—a community united by their shared pursuit of education.
“We were all struggling to allow ourselves to be remade and reinvented through education,” he shares. “We celebrated and fed off of each other’s dedication to learn.”
Now, as Acuna approaches the completion of his AA in Sociology, he looks back with gratitude for the opportunities afforded to him by SWC.
“Attending SWC gave me a lot,” he acknowledges. “It gave me hope, purpose, and a sense of belonging.”
He is graduating with his Associates in Arts (AA) in Sociology this spring and plans to apply for transfer to San Diego State University (SDSU) in the next application cycle. As he prepares to embark on the next chapter of his academic journey, Acuna remains committed to his education, viewing it as a beacon of light amid life’s uncertainties.
“Today, as I endure the growing pains of life out here, when things get murky from all the stress, I remind myself of the only real thing that matters… college,” he asserts. “As much as I may complain about my English class, it keeps me focused on moving forward.”
In Acuna’s story, we find not only resilience but also the transformative power of education—a testament to the unwavering dedication of individuals like Raquel Funches and the profound impact of SWC’s commitment to Restorative Justice.
