Freestyle Academy proudly presents

Wilma Traylor: A Senior Profile Portrait by Lora Maslenitsyna (2014)

I profiled Wilma Traylor, who is currently a pastor at a local church. She struggled with a poly-substance addiction and was incarcerated in various juvenile detention centers, county jails, and federal prisons throughout her adolescent years. In her final year at Santa Rita County Jail, Wilma experienced a spiritual revelation and accepted Christianity as the main ideology in her life. During her last eight months in jail, she wrote and produced two plays: It's Like a Jungle Sometimes and I Got Nothing But Love For You, Momma, based on her personal history and time spent living on the streets. She started book clubs, Bible studies, and support groups for her fellow inmates that later expanded to her community outside of prison. Wilma continues to prove the value of diligence and hard work and has taught me to focus my determination, hope, and empathy in the pursuit of my passions. She uses her story of perseverance and atonement to inspire her community to live healthier and more rewarding lives. Through understanding, motivation, and humility, she is able to establish personal connections with people in various disadvantaged conditions. Wilma has successfully created a system of support for those struggling to find a purpose or overcoming numerous types of abuse through spiritual, moral, and emotional direction.
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