'Learn from my pain,' says high school student
Wesley Saeteurn, 17, is a senior at Gerber Jr./Sr. High School in the Sacramento County Office of Education and an editor of his school newspaper. He contributed this essay to The SacCounty Breeze, a collaboration of philanthropist Rowland Rebele, The Sacramento Bee, The Sacramento County Office of Education, and the California Scholastic Journalism Initiative.
For six years and counting I have lost someone very close to me to the system.
I was 11 years old when he was locked up in Lancaster in Los Angeles County. He will not be able to get out for another 12 years, minimum.
The feelings I have are hard to explain. I don't know why but when I think about it, it hurts. I get a burning sensation on my face, and I get filled with anger and regret.