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When Cynthia walked away from her thriving nail salon business at 36 years old to become a correctional officer, she wasn't chasing adrenaline or power – she was seeking stability for her young daughter. What followed was a 17-year journey through California's prison system that tested her resilience, professionalism, and humanity in ways she never anticipated.

From her first days at Salinas Valley State Prison where she discovered weapon caches hidden behind classroom posters to the mental health units at the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility where suicidal inmates awaited her arrival each morning, Cynthia's story illuminates the unique challenges female officers face in a male-dominated environment. "Your command presence is so important," she explains, revealing how professional demeanor and consistent communication became her most effective tools in maintaining safety and respect.

Through Cynthia's experiences, we witness the evolution of California's correctional system – from policy changes making indecent exposure no longer grounds for administrative segregation to the rapid promotion of inexperienced officers into leadership positions. Her frustrations with these shifts reveal deeper questions about safety, rehabilitation, and the purpose of incarceration itself. As she navigated increasingly dangerous conditions, Cynthia found her health, relationships, and personality transforming in concerning ways.

For those considering corrections work or already in the field, Cynthia offers hard-earned wisdom: "Don't get fixated on that overtime," she warns, having seen too many colleagues burn out chasing material goals at the expense of their wellbeing. Her advice to maintain outside interests, leave work at work, and pursue education resonates as both practical career guidance and a formula for survival.

Whether you're fascinated by corrections, considering a career change, or simply interested in understanding the human experience behind prison walls, Cynthia's journey offers rare insight into what it truly means to dedicate yourself to one of society's most challenging professions. What would you sacrifice for stability, and at what point would you walk away?

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