Over the years, I've had opportunities to help high school and college students...
...do reports and research papers about my criminal case as it relates to forensic psychology and the study of criminal behavior.
I have no interest in psychology or in forensic studies myself. However, if I see that students are serious and want to do a good job, I will try to help them. A number of them have thanked me for the good grades they received.
Several years ago, a woman from Maine came down with her husband to spend the day with me and do a casual interview. She later received a scholarship for her report and has since gone on to advanced levels in college in preparation for a career in law enforcement.
Some other memorable school projects have been a young man who was taking a course in journalism at the State University of New York's Albany Campus. When it came time to turn in his term paper he had to give a lengthy dissertation before his classmates. When he wrote to tell me how well everything went, I was very pleased.
Then there was a teenager who was taking forensics at the New Rochelle High School in Westchester County, New York. He came up with his brother-in-law to interview me for his report. He, too, had to give an oral presentation to his class. The teacher was absolutely thrilled that he actually got to meet me; he's now in college.
Yet another memorable project was one I did with a woman from Long Island. She was studying as an undergraduate major is psychology at Adelphi University. Even her professor wrote a kind letter asking me to consider meeting with her. And so this woman came with her husband, who happens to be a corrections officer for Nassau County, along with another student who was also working on this project. Later, when she completed her work, she wrote back to say thanks. Part of her letter said this:
I have no interest in psychology or in forensic studies myself. However, if I see that students are serious and want to do a good job, I will try to help them. A number of them have thanked me for the good grades they received.
Several years ago, a woman from Maine came down with her husband to spend the day with me and do a casual interview. She later received a scholarship for her report and has since gone on to advanced levels in college in preparation for a career in law enforcement.
Some other memorable school projects have been a young man who was taking a course in journalism at the State University of New York's Albany Campus. When it came time to turn in his term paper he had to give a lengthy dissertation before his classmates. When he wrote to tell me how well everything went, I was very pleased.
Then there was a teenager who was taking forensics at the New Rochelle High School in Westchester County, New York. He came up with his brother-in-law to interview me for his report. He, too, had to give an oral presentation to his class. The teacher was absolutely thrilled that he actually got to meet me; he's now in college.
Yet another memorable project was one I did with a woman from Long Island. She was studying as an undergraduate major is psychology at Adelphi University. Even her professor wrote a kind letter asking me to consider meeting with her. And so this woman came with her husband, who happens to be a corrections officer for Nassau County, along with another student who was also working on this project. Later, when she completed her work, she wrote back to say thanks. Part of her letter said this:
| "The project went extremely well. I received an 'A.' The class was shocked about my interview with you. Between that and the video tapes, of course they had many questions afterwards. It was very dynamic, and I really can't thank you enough for your contribution and making the project very successful." |
This week, I received another "thank you" letter from a student who attends Mansfield University in Pennsylvania. I am thankful for the chance to have helped and encouraged her, too.
For these reports and projects, I simply answer their letters and answer the questions they put forth. I always try to keep things simple and open. This past week, for example, I wrote back to a young man from Greenwood, Indiana. He is doing a report for his high school forensics class, but some of his questions were too vague.
Then also this week came a letter from a woman who lives in El Dorado, Arkansas. She's doing a research paper for one of her college classes.
As a Christian, the best part of all this is that I get to share my faith in a gentle and practical way. I also get to bare my heart and take responsibility for my actions, as well as remind them that this was a horrible thing which happened. It is nothing to glorify.
In my letter to the college student from Arkansas, I said the following:
For these reports and projects, I simply answer their letters and answer the questions they put forth. I always try to keep things simple and open. This past week, for example, I wrote back to a young man from Greenwood, Indiana. He is doing a report for his high school forensics class, but some of his questions were too vague.
Then also this week came a letter from a woman who lives in El Dorado, Arkansas. She's doing a research paper for one of her college classes.
As a Christian, the best part of all this is that I get to share my faith in a gentle and practical way. I also get to bare my heart and take responsibility for my actions, as well as remind them that this was a horrible thing which happened. It is nothing to glorify.
In my letter to the college student from Arkansas, I said the following:
| "I am so sorry for the pain, grief and suffering I caused in the past. I was miserable and I foolishly spread this misery to others. I had no right to do this. I was filled with stupid ideas regarding satanism, and looking back I am utterly ashamed that I had gotten so deceived. I have no one to blame but myself." |
Ironically, most of these students weren't even born when I came to prison. They only know about the "Son of Sam" case from what they may have seen on television or read in books (even though I believe some of this is so inaccurate).
These days, more and more schools are offering courses in subjects like forensics. I suppose that nowadays young students would rather study about crime than take biology or physics.
In any event, I'm glad for these opportunities to inspire them. I have no objections to people wanting to pursue careers in law enforcement. This is a good thing, and I let them know I am pleased with their decisions. I always wish them the best.
D.B.
These days, more and more schools are offering courses in subjects like forensics. I suppose that nowadays young students would rather study about crime than take biology or physics.
In any event, I'm glad for these opportunities to inspire them. I have no objections to people wanting to pursue careers in law enforcement. This is a good thing, and I let them know I am pleased with their decisions. I always wish them the best.
D.B.