I Spent 26 Years in Prison—Here's What I Learned

Witnessing a death in prison forced me to seek a prison transfer and change my path. Learn the reality of navigating the system. Prison life is often misunderstood by those on the outside. Many assume you can simply request a move like checking out of a hotel, but the reality involves a complex, often unpredictable lottery system. This video covers the harsh environment I faced and the pivotal moment that pushed me to seek a different trajectory for my life. Beyond the immediate need for a prison transfer, I discuss the mental shift required to pursue education while incarcerated. If you are interested in personal growth or understanding the systemic barriers within the corrections system, this story highlights the difficulty of changing environment when you have limited control. My goal was to advance my education and eventually work toward a master's degree despite the odds. Subscribe for weekly stories on overcoming systemic obstacles and share your thoughts on the biggest challenges of prison reform in the comments below. *What You'll Discover:* Michael explains the challenges of transferring between prisons—not as simple as changing hotels—and the importance of choosing an environment that supports educational goals over convenience or comfort. He breaks down his three-pronged strategy during incarceration: obtaining an education, contributing meaningfully to society, and building a strong support network. He also highlights a remarkable mentorship with Dr. R. Bruce McPherson, a university professor who became a key ally—visiting regularly despite logistical challenges—and helped Michael craft a plan to secure a transfer to a prison with a supportive administration for education. This strategic move allowed Michael to finish his master’s degree, publish academic work, and even mentor future leaders visiting from Princeton University. Michael emphasizes the broader lesson that even within a challenging and often resistant system, individuals can make strategic decisions to change their trajectory and prepare for success after release. He also acknowledges ongoing resistance to change within the prison system, reinforcing the need for persistence and community support—such as that provided by Prison Professors and their partners in the Web3 space. *Key Topics Covered:* 00:00 – Witnessing violence in prison and deciding to change 00:20 – The complexity of prison transfers 00:39 – Prioritizing education over proximity to family and comfort 01:25 – Defining success and navigating systemic barriers 02:24 – Michael’s three-pronged strategy for transformation 03:00 – Building a support network with Professor Bruce McPherson 04:38 – Developing a strategic plan for a supportive prison transfer 05:55 – Impact of transfer on education and publishing achievements 06:56 – Collaboration with university students and prison reform ideas 07:20 – Challenges to prison system reform and community support *About Prison Professors:* Prison Professors is a nonprofit that offers free, self-directed educational resources to empower justice-impacted people with the tools needed for successful reentry. Michael Santos founded this mission-driven organization to turn his lived experience into a force for rehabilitation and hope. Visit prisonprofessors.org to learn more and access free courses. * * 💬 *Have you experienced or witnessed the power of education in prison? Share your stories and thoughts in the comments below!* 👍 *If you found this story inspiring, please like this video* 🔔 *Subscribe to our channel for more insights and resources on prison education and reentry success* 🔗 *Explore free educational programs and support efforts for prison reform at prisonprofessors.org* #PrisonProfessors #PrisonReform #EducationInPrison #SecondChances #SuccessfulReentry #CriminalJustice #MichaelSantos #PrisonEducation #StrategicTransformation