One year ago, I was scared out of my mind, because I was starting my first day of work in a prison. And not just any prison, but the only maximum security one in the state, and the only thing I had even remotely experienced were the horror stories from Arizona's prison system and shows like Lockup. Little did I know that what I considered a "stepping stone" would end up being one of the most fulfilling and rewarding jobs I've held... in fact, I would have liked to turn it into a career. I met some amazing people, people who I am honored to call friends and coworkers, and who I would gladly lay down my life for. And I gained more than a job, more than a career, but a calling, something I had lost in my life for quite literally years. Yeah, elements of the job sucked: pay was too low, mandatory overtime didn't get paid like it should have, and CO's always get looked down on compared to other law enforcement positions, but those things never outweighed the positives for me. Unfortunately, due to events beyond my control, I have since separated from the department... and while I don't know if I'll ever get a chance to pick up where I left off, I will forever be grateful for that time in my life, short as it was. #memories #liveandlearn #nogunsjustguts #longpost