Growing up in Tampa, Florida without his father present, Mo Nelson describes the feelings surrounding this absence. With a hardworking mother filling both roles, his mother showed Mo "immense love" and spoiled him. Having a large extended family, he reflects how close-knit they were, which helped during the years Mo was an only child. As he struggled with loneliness during adolescence, Mo learned quickly that acting out would give him attention, albeit not the type of attention he was seeking. While reflecting on when things started to go off track, he pinpointed some of his troubles in school being difficult due to ADHD and the rollercoaster of medication. Additionally, Mo admits he was seeking a way to be respected amongst his peers. At the age of just 16 years old, Mo was involved in a robbery that resulted in a homicide during the commission of the robbery. Originally facing a life sentence, he took the advice of his attorney to "not let the tears of his mother influence his decision" when deciding whether or not to take a plea deal for nearly as many years as he had been alive. Mo had to grow up fast when he was incarcerated with adults for his own safety. Working on building his character, he sought to protect himself by showing no vulnerability at such a young age. In the process of seeking forgiveness and redemption, Mo was determined to turn his life around completely to eventually be able to help others. To learn more about how he does that today, check his website out at monelsonspeaks.com, and follow him @real_monelsonspeaks on Instagram, or linkedin.com/in/mo-nelson-133648221. Mo, we had so much fun getting to know you at the Reentry Opportunity Conference of Kansas (ROCK)! Sincerely, your favorite little prairie friends.

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