Introduction
My name is Dr. Patrick Haydel. Before my incarceration, I lived a life centered around service, both in medicine and entrepreneurship. I practiced as a chiropractor in my hometown of Houma, Louisiana, and built multiple businesses—including a physical therapy clinic, a boat storage facility, and a medical equipment distribution company. I always believed in solving problems and creating opportunities, not only for myself, but for others in my community.
When my journey took a painful and humbling turn, leading me into the criminal justice system, I knew I had a choice to make. I could either live in regret, or I could rise with resolve. I chose to rise. I aligned myself with people who shared my belief in second chances and transformation. That’s when I discovered Prison Professors, and its founder, Michael Santos.
Even before I began serving my sentence, I started volunteering with the nonprofit. I wanted to contribute. I wanted to help others—especially those who, like me, had once stood at a crossroads. To better understand the mindset and mission behind Prison Professors, I chose to read Earning Freedom: Conquering a 45-Year Prison Term, written by Michael himself.
Why I Read Earning Freedom
I believe that before you can teach others, you must first be willing to learn. I’ve always lived by that principle, whether treating patients or mentoring employees. When I began working with Prison Professors, I understood that my ability to help others would depend on how well I understood the system—and more importantly, how one could triumph over it with discipline and vision.
Earning Freedom isn’t just a memoir. It’s a blueprint. Michael Santos wrote the book while serving his own lengthy sentence—more than 26 years inside a federal prison. His words don’t come from theory. They come from experience. I wanted to study his journey closely so I could better serve others who are walking similar paths. I needed to understand what it truly meant to “earn freedom,” not just in the legal sense, but spiritually, mentally, and practically.
What I Learned from Earning Freedom
Reading Earning Freedom was like having a one-on-one mentorship with someone who had already made it through the fire. Michael doesn’t sugarcoat the reality of prison life, but he also doesn’t surrender to it. He introduces readers to a new philosophy: that prison can be a place of preparation—not just punishment.
Several lessons resonated with me:
- Mindset Matters Most
Early in his sentence, Michael made a decision: he would not allow the system to define him. Instead of wasting time, he focused on education, contribution, and transformation. He chose to live as if he would be released the next day—even when his out-date was decades away. That mindset inspired me. I realized I, too, could use this chapter of my life to build rather than to break. - Daily Discipline Builds a New Identity
Michael created a daily schedule filled with intention—reading, writing, exercising, and connecting with mentors. His relentless routine reminded me of how I ran my businesses. Success, in or out of prison, is about showing up consistently, regardless of the obstacles. - Authenticity Builds Bridges
Through transparent communication and unwavering authenticity, Michael built relationships with professors, business leaders, and policy advocates. He didn’t beg for leniency—he earned trust by living in alignment with his values. That example taught me that even behind bars, I could still build credibility and community. - Prison Is a Classroom—If You Treat It Like One
The most important shift I made while reading the book was reframing incarceration. Like Michael, I now see prison as a place of preparation. I’ve started teaching lessons to others, sharing strategies for personal development, financial literacy, and professional reinvention—because, like him, I believe in building others while building myself.
How Earning Freedom Will Influence My Life After Release
Reading Earning Freedom changed the way I see my future. I used to think of prison as an interruption. Now, I see it as a bridge. A bridge that, if crossed deliberately and courageously, can lead to a life of deeper meaning and broader impact.
Michael’s story showed me that our worst chapters do not have to be our final ones. If he could build a platform for change from within the walls of a cell, then so can I.
Upon my release, I commit to continuing the work I’ve begun through Prison Professors. I will advocate for smarter criminal justice policies, teach others how to find purpose in adversity, and mentor those who are still inside. My life will be an example of transformation—not just in words, but in deeds.
I plan to expand my role with the nonprofit, bringing educational programs into prisons, building bridges with universities and employers, and showing society that rehabilitation is not only possible—it’s powerful.
Final Thoughts
Earning Freedom is more than a book. It’s a torch passed from one hand to another. Michael lit the way. Now it’s my responsibility to carry that light forward, helping others find their path—even in the darkest of places.With gratitude and conviction,
Dr. Patrick Haydel
Contributing Educator, Prison Professors Talent
