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Blair Ledette and Reggie Lee
18 minutes ago
ST. LOUIS – January is National Mentoring Month. A young St. Louis woman went from the brink of a life sentence to her second chance at success with the help of her mentor who believed in her. FOX 2’s Blair Ledet spoke to two women whose stories tell the impact of both asking for help and reaching out for help.
Jasmine Ford was studying to become an entrepreneur at Mizzou University when she was sentenced to 15 years in prison for attempted murder.
“I was put in a position where I had to make a decision that changed the course of my life,” Ford said. “I walked around the court and just cried.”
The mother, who was pregnant at the time, took a plea deal in the face of facing prison time.
“When you hear that, you immediately think that my life is over.” “You think that everything you’ve worked for is over.”
She immediately decided to take the time to rehabilitate herself.
“I was involved when I was inside. I participated in a few programs,” Ford explained. “Performing Arts in Prison: Application for Prison Education Project to the University of Washington.”
The Washing College Prison Education Project and the mentoring organization SCORE St. Louis connected Jasmine with a dedicated mentor.
“I feel like I’m at home. I feel comfortable. I have family members who are in prison, so I thought I’d only do it if I could go to prison,” says mentor Brittany Raji Alberti said.
Jasmine would like to have a salon so she can get her hair done.
“I just want to say this is my goal. This is what I want to do with my life,” Ford said. “I literally wrote everything step by step on a big white card and laid it out.”
Brittany ignited her passion by driving hours to visit and offer knowledge, support, and hope.
“When she became my mentor, it put things into perspective: you can do this, you can do this, and you have someone who believes in what you’re doing. .”
“I could have easily been Jasmine, so I know how easy it is to make one decision that can change your life,” Alberti said.
Jasmine has been with the company for just three months, working as an apprentice and earning her cosmetology license.
“You can’t climb to the top alone, so don’t be afraid to ask for help. This is by no means a one-man show,” Ford added. “Don’t forget about those who gave you a chance. This life is difficult, so we should open the door for others.”
They made memories and built bonds. They asked for help and showed the beauty of never losing hope.
You can support jasmine to condition your hair. She specializes in natural styles such as creative locks, blowouts, and silk presses. Book her on her Instagram page.
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