This morning, I received an email from a journalist at The New York Times. They wanted to confirm details about someone who had just received clemency—a person who had been part of our Prison Professors community. I didn’t know them personally, but I wasn’t surprised.
Why? Because we’ve been planting this seed for years: If you want liberty, start documenting your journey today.
Clemency, sentence reductions, early release—none of these outcomes happen by accident. They result from intentional preparation. That’s the principle we teach at Prison Professors, and today’s good news proves again that it works.
🧱 A Values-Based Lesson: Build the Record Before You Need It
Whether you’re in jail, on pretrial, sentenced, or already home on supervised release, one thing holds true: You’re the architect of your future.
And the most powerful tool you have isn’t a lawyer or a motion. It’s your own effort to memorialize your growth—to show the world how you’ve changed, how you’re preparing for success, and how you’re making amends.
You don’t need a camera crew or a big production. You just need commitment. A daily journal. A clear plan. A consistent path. Those are the ingredients of liberty.
✅ Action Steps for Today
- Start a Journal: Write a few paragraphs each day about what you’re doing to grow—mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and professionally.
- Tell Your Story: Build your biography on PrisonProfessorsTalent.com. Let your words speak for your character.
- Set a Goal: Is it clemency? Compassionate release? A career after prison? Write it down. Map your path to get there.
- Use Free Tools: If you can’t afford books, download free lesson plans or ask a loved one to print them for you. Everything we offer is 100% free.
- Join a Webinar: Take advantage of our weekly workshops to stay informed and engaged.
🔗 Why Build a Profile on Prison Professors Talent?
Because when people notice your progress, they’re more likely to advocate for your release. Clemency is real. Second chances are real. But they favor the prepared.
At PrisonProfessorsTalent.com, you can:
- Write a biography
- Keep a journal
- Submit book reports
- Draft your release plan
- Collect testimonials
This strategy worked for me. It can work for you.
📓 REFLECTION JOURNAL PROMPT
- What is one thing you’ve done in the past 24 hours to prepare for a better future—and how can you build on it tomorrow?
🔍 SAMPLE RESPONSE (Michael’s voice)
Yesterday, I responded to five emails from incarcerated people who are working through our lesson plans. That tells me the mission is working. Today, I recorded this video to share a real story of clemency and show how anyone—no matter where they’re starting—can begin building their pathway to liberty. We don’t control the outcome, but we control the preparation.
🧱 PROJECT: BUILDING YOUR PROFILE
- Biography: Write your life story and your vision for the future.
- Journal: Log daily efforts to prepare and grow.
- Book Reports: Read and reflect on personal development literature.
- Release Plan: Outline your goals and support system post-release.
- Testimonials: Gather support letters from mentors, family, or staff.
💬 QUOTE TO REMEMBER
“The best way to predict your future is to create it.” – Abraham Lincoln
🧠 SELF-DIRECTED QUESTIONS
- What’s one action I can take today to demonstrate my growth?
- How would I explain my transformation to a judge or a clemency board?
- What tools or resources do I need to stay on track?
- Who can I ask to support or vouch for my commitment?
- How am I showing up for my future self—every single day?
