Breaking Barriers: The Transformative Experience of a Letter Exchange

Last fall, I participated in a course called “How To Go Public.” When I first found out about the class and its partnership with Exchange for Change, I was intrigued, as I had never heard of this non-profit before. After learning about Exchange for Change’s impact on the community, I decided to enroll in the class. 

During the first week, we discussed what everyone thought the purpose of incarceration was, what our views on the prison system were, and what, if any, preconceived notions we had of incarcerated individuals. We wrote ourselves a letter to reflect on these topics, and then we began to learn about Exchange for Change’s mission as well as what our roles would be in this class. 

It’s safe to say almost everyone in the class was excited but nervous for the future letter exchanges with the women at Homestead Correctional Institution, as it was a new experience for most of us. We began drafting our first letters on a Tuesday, and by the end of class, our professors shared a surprise—we were going to be on the receiving end of the exchange! That was a huge relief. I remember the butterflies in my stomach when I received my first letter from my partner. Her tone was so friendly, and from that moment, all my fears and reservations melted away. I even remember telling my classmates that I wished I could give my partner a hug. 

There’s something about exchanging letters that builds a connection like no other. The ability to express yourself through the written word is beautiful, but what’s even more special is doing so with someone you don’t know—someone who won’t judge you, someone who sees the world differently, someone who wants to learn and grow with you, and someone who cares. 

My letter exchanges with my partner proved to be a transformative experience. We didn’t just discuss academic texts; we also shared fun facts about ourselves and reflected on the stark contrast between our worlds. This personal connection made my experience all the more meaningful and gave me a deeper understanding of empathy and the power of communication. 

I wasn’t alone in feeling this way. After talking with one of my classmates, he shared his own insights on the experience: “Building this connection with my exchange partner allowed me to develop a deep sense of empathy. Her words revealed a person striving for change, someone eager to prove herself to a world that often defined her solely by her past mistakes. This emotional journey, displayed through her letters, made me reflect on the complexities of justice, redemption, and society's perceptions of incarcerated individuals.” 

Reflecting on this experience, I realize how profoundly it has reshaped my perspective on incarceration, empathy, and human connection. Through the bi-weekly letter exchanges, I was reminded of the humanity we all share, regardless of our past mistakes. Regardless of where we may be in our lives, we all share a desire to be understood, cared about, and heard. I’m grateful for the opportunities that Exchange for Change has given me as well as the invaluable lessons I have learned from my experience in the letter exchange.