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The Nevada Youth Training Center  (NYTC) is in Elko, Nevada.  It is a State run training center for boys 12 or so to 18 years of age who the courts have determined could use some extra training in life skills and schooling.  It is a good program.  I am proud to be associated with it.

 

Dear Mom

 

Well, I’m finally in Elko at the

Nevada Youth Training Center.

Here, they call it NYTC.

It’s easier to remember.

 

I miss you and our family.

I’m just writing to let you know what’s new.

I get to write two letters a week.

I’ll always send the first one to you.

 

Don’t tell anyone, but sometimes at night

I just lie in my bunk and quietly cry.

But, the days aren’t so bad.

Hardly, enough time to let out a sigh.

 

Just a few weeks ago I was

Sliding and gliding down the streets of LV

But now I’m here saying “Yes, Sir!”

To some guy when I have to go pee.

 

Back home I was focused on

Colors like red and blue.

But now and for the next few weeks

They’ve got orange clothes on you.

 

My long hair has been cut off

And now it’s really kind of fuzzy.

They say its for hygiene.

Something about not gett’n skuzzy.

 

The cottage I’m in is called R & C.

Stands for Reception and Classification.

I think they shorten all the names here.

Just FYI - For Your Information.

 

I’ve already gotten an NFI,

And a DOC with an FTE.

But worst of all was the IR

Which resulted in no weekend TV.

But if you’re confused

Don’t feel so blue.

I wouldn’t have got them

If I hadn’t yelled FU.

 

Numbers are important here, too.

Especially “seventy five point five”

Here you earn points each day.

Get that many or more and you thrive.

 

But if you choose poorly

Like swear and curse or defy.

Or elect to do your own thing.

You ain’t gonna be - such a happy guy.

 

There are some good points too.

There are three good meals a day.

And I’m sure the staff won’t hit you

No matter what our newspapers say.

 

‘Cause the guy in the next room

Has been want’n to bout.

But he’s only learned what

R.C. and T.O. are all about.

 

Well, I don’t want to ramble too long.

But if you put a check in your letter

I can get some good snacks.

Honestly, it would make my life better.

 

Next week I’ll write you about

Three weeks passing, IHS and KP.

But for now I’d better close

For it’s time to say “Yes Sir!” and go pee.

 

Love your son,

Tom Nokes, 4/14/03

Elko, Nevada

 

Abbreviations:

NYTC - Nevada Youth Training Center

LV      - Las Vegas

R & C  - Reception and Classification

FYI    - For Your Information

NFI    - Not Following Instructions

DOC   - Document

FTE   - Fail To Earn (points)

IR     - Incident Report

TV     - Television

FU     - F**k You

RC     - Room Confinement

TO    - Time Out

IHS  -  Independence High School

KP     -  Kitchen Patrol

 

 

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© 2003 - Elko Rose Garden Association