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There is no greater asset that a human can possess that is worth more than time.  

I am fascinated by all sciences dealing with the universe and our place in it. They provide me invaluable insight into life as I have come to know it. When I think about how our universe has over three-hundred-billion galaxies with possible trillions of stars and even more planets, it puts into perspective just how insignificant our place in the universe really is. I marvel at just how precious it is to be a conscious living being whose mind is equipped with the power to understand not only the complexities of the universe, but  life itself. 

The fact that we are able to understand that time is infinite and that our lives, no matter how long, do not even qualify as a blip on the scale of time. The fact that I am writing this to you, another conscious human being who is also alive at this very moment has to mean something profound. I am also blown away by the fact that every living thing that ever lived on this planet is in fact related by some unknown distant relative. It is incomprehensible that I am related to a tree and a shark, and yet it is true. 

Even though I am often lonely, feeling miserable and insignificant in the eyes of society, I still believe that the time that I am allowed to remain living and conscious on this earth is an enduring gift. Even though I have been written off and left for dead, the asset of time may just be my saving grace; providing me with a chance to live, even after I am long gone. That in and of itself is truly profound. 

I will live, fight and never quit until my time is finally up. 

Disclaimer: The views in this article are those of the author. Prison Journalism Project has verified the writer’s identity and basic facts such as the names of institutions mentioned.

Shonari Warren is a writer incarcerated in Pennsylvania.