I have a story to tell. This is a story about second chances. I got the pleasure of interviewing a man who spent 17 years in the adult prison system in Washington State. Today he is an advocate for change in the judicial system by speaking on Bills in the legislature that creates real change for individuals’ lives who are in prison; an endeavor not to be taken lightly as it will arouse a lot of scrutiny.
But for a man who has had it rough at an early age and came out of it with head held high, the challenge will only help him build character. Now, he is a Real Estate Agent in Seattle working towards building a Real Estate Team after being on Ben Kinney's successful team. He is a national inspirational speaker on the topic of "anyone can live a big successful life no matter what their circumstances are." This is a story about Jeff Coats.
Jeff was sent to prison at 14 years old and spent 17 years in the adult prison system. Not much to say about what went on with his life. But what we most people can’t see because they were not inside the prison, Jeff was able to live it. Jeff learned a lot when he was inside. He learned that people shouldn’t let their past define who they are. All of us are victims of circumstances, it is how we choose to respond to those circumstances that would define us as a person. It is what we do with our choice that matters.
When he went out of prison, getting a job became difficult. But eventually, he was given a chance. Jeff remembered, “That first chance made me believe in myself, and believe that I can accomplish anything.” Now, Jeff is no longer defined by his past. He is not tormented by it, nor is he suffering from its social effects. Instead, Jeff leverages this fact and worked towards making a change. On top of that, after being a part of a successful team under Ben Kinney’s, Jeff decided to spread what he has learned and give people a fighting chance.
“Give people a chance, people can change.” He found himself preaching to others and giving the same chance that was given to him. He knows that just like him, people can change and accomplish their dreams.
Listen to the entire interview by clicking here.
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