A Different Route

Most people grow up basing their lives from everyday cycles. The outcome of our lives are produced by the actions we input in our lives on a daily. Although all actions come with consequences, some of the consequences can seem harder to understand.

In “The Convicted” I interviewed three people who were affected by the conseqences of being a felon. All three had different stories but they all ended up with the same outcome. Although things may have been difficult to take control of, they have manage to make to the best out of their situation.

The last time we left Edward Arnold, he was just figuring out his employment status with a company that he had been working with for months. Due to his criminal background, Arnold was terminated. Even under those circumstances, Arnold didn’t let that discourage him.

Edward Arnold works in his local community as a youth leader.

Arnold was convicted in 2017 for conspiracy to obtain to violate. He was convicted under non- violent charges and sentenced to five years. He was released on parole in 2018 .

According to an article on CNBC.com there are 14 percent of human resource managers that won’t consider hiring ex- offenders. Executives say that 82 percent of the ex-offender that they hire have been at least as successful as the average hire.

Arnold has recently become an active member on the campaign trail for former Vice President Joe Biden. Arnold is using this position to help bring awareness to the ex-convicts trying to better themselves.

“I love mentoring with the youth, it’s great. I enjoy being an influencer,” Arnold said. “But this position will put me in a better platform to reach further than my community.”

Joe Biden recently held a townhall meeting in Greenville, SC. Arnold and other Greenville natives were in attendance.

Edward Arnold with Vice President Joe Biden during the Presidential campaign trail.

“When I got terminated, I was discouraged for a while, but I decided to use the support and networking that I did have to move me up in life,” said Arnold. “I’m very grateful that Vice President Biden has the faith in me to better myself and those around me.”

Arnold is currently active in the Biden campaign trial for the 2020 upcoming election. Arnold hopes that his actions and words of encouragement will help those who were in similar predicaments to want to move forward.

Edward Arnold and the Greenville campaign members gather during the town hall meeting. (Courtesy of Edward Arnold)