Embrace Your 'Different'

Today has been a little different for me. Speaking of different, I grew up feeling different from other people. I was often treated negative ways because I was different. I could tell you that this and wrong thinking because of it, leads people here. Today I’m gonna speak to anyone who labels themselves different. You are okay just the way you are.

You don't have to rebel. You don't have to make bad choices because other people label you or judge you. Let those attempts at labeling you, shock them let it drive you to be successful.

If you are thinking about experimenting with drugs...I’m here to tell you don't do it! If you are thinking about quitting college...I’m gonna ask you to think twice! If you feel like a failure because you don't fit in...don't do that either! We’re all different...we look different, we have different intellect, different goals, different dreams, yet all of us are created to have a life and second chances.... our life, our successes, and our own destinies. I don’t think anybody’s labels should stop these.

I’m asking please realize one decision may have consequences for the rest of your life or change your life forever. Today, I could be the poster child for second chances, but it’s hard to get that from in here. Yes, I still pray for that Miracle. Yet as of today, two choices, in my life...drugs and the circle of friends...carved a path here for me and other people did the same thing to lead themselves here too.

Yes, just two months and six days later so far that’s led to 40+ years in prison. I hope you hear, what I’m saying is important, I’m sharing because I don't want daughters, sisters, sons, brothers or anyone to end up here. I know some tv shows glamorize prison, make some prisoners look tough. I want you to stop and think, do you wanna be in a place where you can’t control what you eat, control when you sleep, control what you wear, control being stripped out, naked, cavity searched… I mean these are not places you want to be. It’s not glamorous. You have to fight for medical treatment. You have to fight for positive changes along the way.

Today's political culture is trying to bring the "different" down but the choice and label you put on yourself or accept is up to you. We have to be humble enough to realize tables can turn in an instant. My life seemed to shift in an instant...went from Centre College to prison, now over four decades.

Yes I’ve had the opportunity to turn the tables back with 100+ programs, leading, mentoring, trying to help change criminal justice system across our nation but so far no one is giving me credit for that. Don't put yourself in a deep valley where you need a second chance. Go ahead and forgive yourself, get back up, get back on track. Embrace being your different and move forward because of it.

Our Kentucky governor and other politicians often give a speech, and they’ll say stand in between the different and the bullies. Yet are I ask today are they willing to stand for a  poster child of second chances? The answer is no, so far. Seems I landed in the old song "Hotel California", so please don't check in because you could end up like me being told you can never leave...YET!

This is Karen and I embrace being different in prison and I’m asking you to embrace being you out there and in success.

Karen Brown M.Ed. has been incarcerated since February 1986. She is currently a correspondent for Prison Radio.org. Karen’s commentary Embrace Your 'Different' was posted on 8/10/2026 and can also be heard on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.