Turned Inside-Out - The Inside-Out Center

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LETTER FRoM THE EDIToRS
Participating in Inside-Out classes with mixed groups of students
from the University of Oregon’s Clark Honors College and the
Oregon State Penitentiary has been a transformative experience
for everyone involved. Through three years of literature and ethics
courses, seventy students have created amazing memories and
insights that have impacted their individual lives. The works
included in this publication tell our stories.
Madeline—The Inside-Out Program challenged my understanding
of social division and I have felt my world view change before me.
Compassion and acceptance were modeled with such honesty that
I cannot help but push myself to become a better
person. I will be working abroad by myself next
year, and because of this class, I am not nervous,
but consumed with anticipation of the artificial
barriers I hope to transcend.
James—I’m humbled that I’ve had the privilege
to meet such amazing and inspirational Outside
students, and I’m thankful for the opportunity
to create Turned Inside-Out. It’s been an
unforgettable experience, and I hope that it sheds
light on this amazing program that changes
opinions, shatters preconceived notions, and
allows all involved the chance to come together
as a group.
Katie—I have arrived at the most profound trust in the
commonalities with my fellow human beings, regardless of our
place in the world. Since the first day of class, I have tried to live
this belief in every day, and to live life as “wild and precious” as the
poet Mary Oliver tells us to.
Each Inside-Out class compiled anthologies of student work as
final projects. The essays, poems, letters, and artwork included
in Turned Inside-Out were selected from this body of work to
demonstrate the importance of connection across social boundaries
and recognition of our common humanity. We are profoundly
grateful to all of our classmates, even if their work was not included.
The class was only what it was because of what we were together.
Turned Inside-Out