We recently connected with Shawn Khalifa and have shared our conversation below.
Shawn , thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
Resilience is a deeply meaningful word for me. I first latched onto it while serving a life prison sentence. It became my anchor during a time when hope seemed impossible.
At the age of 15, I entered the youth justice system, an experience that abruptly ended life as I knew it. But even before then, life in the community had been difficult. My earliest memories were shaped by the Rodney King events in Los Angeles. At just three years old, my mother fled the violence and chaos. We lived in a neighborhood known as “The Jungles,” where threats didn’t come from the locals but from law enforcement and the rodents that infested our apartment complex.
This was the 1990s, and like thousands of other Angelenos, my mother sought refuge in the suburban Inland Empire after my father was deported to Egypt. Our new home was Perris, California, a small but growing city. I loved exploring its every corner and quickly made friends, many of whom, like me, had families that moved to the IE from Los Angeles.
By the time I was seven, I began to learn about the local gangs in neighborhoods like Downtown Perris and Mead Valley. Living in the uptown area near Perris High School, our neighborhood was known as the East Side or Uptown. I gradually became entrenched in a life of chaos which existed in the community. By 2004, I had earned a nickname in my neighborhood, participated in thefts, experimented with drugs (everything except heroin), fought to survive, and experienced multiple shootings.
When I entered the youth justice system, it almost felt like a break from the violence of the streets. However, I was ultimately convicted of a first-degree murder I didn’t commit and sent to Pelican Bay State Prison’s B Yard, a new chapter in an already turbulent life.
It wasn’t until 2016 that I first encountered the word resilience. At the time, I was in a lockdown mental health unit at California Medical Facility in Vacaville. The conditions were horrific, no clothes, no showers, wet bread for lunch, 24-hour lockdowns, constant screams of men being brutalized by staff, and feces smeared on bodies. The isolation was dehumanizing. We were treated like deranged animals in a zoo.
Two weeks into my stay, I was finally allowed out of my cell for the first time. Shackled, I was brought before a TV for 15 minutes. A staff member gave me and a few others a ball and told us we could form a team to play against another group of lifers. They gave us a trash can as a hoop and one of the guys named our team Resilience. That word struck something deep within me. I clung to it like a lifeline.
From that moment on, I carried the memory of that experience as proof that I could endure any challenge, even the impossible. Resilience became my guiding principle, reminding me of my strength in the face of adversity.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am the Program Coordinator for the UCSD Underground Scholars Program, an initiative dedicated to supporting formerly incarcerated and system-impacted students as they transition into and thrive in higher education. My journey from being incarcerated myself to now leading a program that uplifts others in similar situations is a testament to the power of hard work, resilience, and dedication.
The Underground Scholars Program is unique in its focus on breaking down barriers for students who often face significant stigmas and systemic challenges. We provide academic support, mentorship, and advocacy to help our students not only succeed but also redefine what is possible for themselves and their communities. One of the most exciting aspects of this work is witnessing our students discover their potential and go on to accomplish incredible things, whether it’s transferring to a prestigious university, completing a degree, or becoming leaders in their fields.
What makes this program truly special is its emphasis on building a community of support and solidarity. Many of our students feel isolated when they first enter higher education, but through Underground Scholars, they find a space where their experiences are validated, and their stories are celebrated. Our work is about transforming lives, and every success story reminds me why this program matters so much.
Looking ahead, we have some exciting plans in the works. We’re expanding our outreach efforts to ensure more system-impacted individuals know that programs like this exist and are here to help them. We’re also launching new workshops and events aimed at equipping our students with the tools they need to thrive academically, professionally, and personally.
I want readers to know that resilience is not just a buzzword, it’s a way of life. My own story is proof that with determination and the right support system, you can rise above the most challenging circumstances. The work we do at Underground Scholars is about creating those support systems and helping our students realize that they too can accomplish great things.
If you or someone you know could benefit from our program, I encourage you to reach out or spread the word. Together, we can change the narrative and show that second chances are powerful opportunities for transformation and success.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back on my journey, three qualities stand out as being the most impactful: resilience, community-building, and the ability to turn obstacles into opportunities. Each of these played a critical role in shaping who I am today and the work I do as the Program Coordinator for the UCSD Underground Scholars Program.
Resilience
Resilience is the backbone of my story. From navigating the challenges of incarceration to transitioning into higher education, resilience kept me going when the odds seemed insurmountable. It’s about more than just enduring, it’s about finding ways to grow stronger through adversity.
Advice: Resilience isn’t something you’re born with; it’s a muscle you build over time. Start by reframing challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. Surround yourself with people who inspire and support you, and don’t be afraid to lean on them when times are tough. Small wins, celebrated consistently, can help you build the confidence to tackle bigger challenges.
Community-Building
No one achieves success alone. For me, finding and creating communities of support, like the Underground Scholars Program, was transformative. Community isn’t just about having people around you; it’s about fostering meaningful connections that help everyone thrive.
Advice: Seek out or create communities that align with your values and goals. Volunteer, join groups, or mentor others. Building relationships rooted in mutual respect and shared purpose will not only support your journey but also give you the chance to uplift others.
The Ability to Turn Obstacles into Opportunities
Every obstacle in my life has been a stepping stone to something greater. Whether it was learning to navigate the prison system or overcoming barriers in higher education, I’ve found that challenges can be powerful motivators for innovation and change.
Advice: When faced with a setback, ask yourself, What can I learn from this? How can this experience make me stronger or wiser? Developing a growth mindset and seeking creative solutions to problems will allow you to turn roadblocks into pathways forward.
To anyone starting their journey, I would say this: believe in your ability to adapt and grow. Take small, intentional steps to develop these qualities, and don’t underestimate the power of perseverance. Surround yourself with people and programs, like UCSD Underground Scholars, that are invested in your success. You are capable of achieving more than you know, one step at a time.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
Several books have played pivotal roles in my development, each offering profound lessons that shaped my perspective and resilience.
Monster by Sanyika Shakur (Monster Kody): This book taught me the power of transformation. To see someone move from a life of violence to becoming a promoter of peace inspired me to reflect on my own journey and the potential to create change in even the most challenging circumstances.
Blue Rage, Black Redemption by Stanley Tookie Williams: Williams’ ability to create peace while facing a death sentence was a powerful reminder that redemption is possible, even in the direst situations. It instilled in me a sense of hope and the importance of using our time, no matter how limited, to leave a positive impact.
A Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela: Mandela’s journey from imprisonment to presidency is nothing short of extraordinary. His unwavering determination to overcome insurmountable odds showed me that leadership and progress often emerge from the darkest moments.
The Autobiography of Malcolm X: Malcolm X’s transformation from an incarcerated individual to an intellectual leader with a profound influence on civil rights resonated deeply with me. His story reinforced my belief in the power of education and self-reinvention, even in the most restrictive environments.
The Rape of Nanking by Iris Chang: This book opened my eyes to the selective nature of historical narratives. Growing up, we learned about the Holocaust but not about atrocities like those in Nanking. It made me question how history is taught and whose interests are served, encouraging me to seek out hidden truths and think critically about the information presented to us.
Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl: Frankl’s insight, where there is a why, there is a how, was transformative. His ability to find purpose and conduct research while in a concentration camp inspired me to pursue education and personal growth while serving a life sentence. It reminded me that purpose gives us the strength to endure and persevere.
Each of these books reinforced the idea that resilience, transformation, and a quest for knowledge are critical to overcoming life’s challenges. They’ve motivated me to share my story, empower others, and continue building a life rooted in purpose and redemption.
Contact Info:
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnkhalifa/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@academicrow
- Other: Link Tree:
https://linktr.ee/shawnkhalifa
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
