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Reflection Journal 2

Student’s Name

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Reflection Journal 2

Question 1

After watching the ‘Healing Neen’ documentary, I must admit that I gained the most

significant understanding of several things. It is not about a video or story but a true

manifestation of hope. I cannot imagine a woman making a record 83 arrests and 66 convictions

in just 15 years; it is beyond any other person's imagination. One of the biggest scams I have

known in life is to please people for survival and love. Tonier ‘Neen’ Cain is not only a victim of

childhood trauma but also a love scam. I believe Neen was betrayed by her own mother, who

neglected her by exposing her to promiscuous life. In an attempt to gain her mother’s love, Neen

engaged herself in a life that her mother lived; a life of drug abuse and prostitution

(CalSWECOnline, 2018). What bothers me is the age Neen experienced sexual abuse from her

mother’s male friends. Nine-year-old Neen would also experience physical and emotional abuse.

It is not a good experience at all.

Question 2

This information impacts my understanding and perceptions of trauma survivors. I

believe that most trauma problems originate from childhood. The worst thing to imagine is that

family or close people are the acute transgressors. Her mother did not give Neen a good life, for

the former steered an abusive lifestyle to her daughter. There is also a paradox of trauma. While

people search for safety, wherever they go may not be peaceful (Marvel, 2020). Nonetheless, I

am challenged by Neen’s experience that trauma survivors can be great inspirations to others. I

understand that Neen is not only a trauma survivor but also a tool of hope for recovery. Despite

every devastating experience, Neen did not give up. She might be in agony after losing four
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children, but she has a child who lives with her; the child is a sign of hope. Currently, Neen is a

renowned national motivational speaker and trauma educator.

Question 3

The documentary has impacted my perception of people involved in the criminal justice

system, incarcerated, and those with substance/drug addiction. I have always believed that

substance addiction is one of the leading factors that might cause imprisonment. Neen is an

example of the reality of the criminal justice system and drug abuse. She has spent several years

behind bars in the Maryland Correctional Institution for Women because of crack addiction

(CalSWECOnline, 2018). There is a crucial observation that I have made in Neen’s experience in

prison. The correctional facilities do not have effective measures to help inmates, especially drug

addicts and mental health patients, be better members of society. For example, Neen is subjected

to re-traumatizing experiences such as physical and sexual abuse by male correctional officers.

Besides, Neen’s mental health must have been provoked by isolation in the jail since it reminded

her of her separation from her four children. Although the government has put various measures

to help prisoners, their efficacy is minimal (Comack, 2021). For example, general medication is

administered to people without caring about personal therapies that can address specific issues.

Neen and other ‘Neens’ would prefer ‘peaceful’ homes under a bridge to the sorry state of

prisons. I believe that society and the criminal justice system should help people recover from

trauma and drug addiction to reduce/eliminate incarnation.

Question 4

The video has impacted how I may interact with and perceive others who I do not know. I

should be cautious and understanding to strangers without prejudice. Nobody knows one’s

history unless the story is told. Sometimes, I am easy to judge people based on their appearance
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and current situation. Fortunately, Neen’s story has changed my perception of strangers. Some

people are a paradox in what others see, and there is a dire need to know the reality. For

example, I would have been surprised if Neen’s devastating story of childhood trauma, abuse,

incarceration, homelessness, separation, and drug addiction turns to be a good story of hope and

success. I now know the essence of understanding somebody before making conclusions. I

wonder whether the prion was aware of Neen’s past childhood trauma and abusive experiences

that could have been key factors that pushed her to criminal activities and numerous

incarcerations.

Question 5

I can apply numerous aspects from the video to improve my personal and professional

life now and in the future. I have learned that trauma is a serious issue that has a devastating

impact on people and society. Henceforth, I would not assume or neglect any form of trauma.

Neen is my role model of compassion and empathy towards people suffering from psychological

problems. I believe that I can understand people better by being professional in whatever I do. It

is acceptable to treat inmates decently by correcting them rather than punishing them. I would

look for specific solutions to certain problems. For example, Neen’s turn-around in life is

propelled by trauma-informed therapy by a mental health professional who assisted Neen

constructively handle her childhood abuse (CalSWECOnline, 2018). Besides, life and

professionalism require values such as hope, resilience, motivation, positivity, compassion, and

empathy. Neen is a role model and a true definition of these qualities.

References

CalSWECOnline. (2018, March 12). Healing Neen. YouTube.

[Link]

Comack, E. (2021). Coming back to jail: Women, trauma, and criminalization. Fernwood

Publishing.

Marvel, R. (2020). Healing childhood trauma: Transforming pain into purpose with post-

traumatic growth. Loving Healing Press.