I Received A Life-Changing Letter In Federal Prison

I received a letter during a mail call that shifted the trajectory of my life in federal prison in January 2009. Like many prisoners, I was striving to find meaning through the journey. I immersed myself in reading, writing, and trying to prepare for a successful life after federal prison.
One question, however, continued to haunt me: what would I do upon release, facing restitution and a world plunged into recession? These concerns weighed heavily on my mind, and I often shared them with my friend (and now business partner), Michael Santos. As expressed in Lessons From Prison, he encouraged me to examine my environment, learn how others became immersed in this system, and create a plan based on my learning.
Through conversations and interviews with fellow prisoners, I learned many shared similar backgrounds and regrets about their preparation for sentencing. From there, Michael urged me to document my experiences to educate others caught in the web of white-collar crime investigations. Despite initial hesitation (I waited several months), I eventually embraced the idea and began writing a daily blog about life in a minimum-security camp.
Encouraged by Michael, I took a creative approach and also began reaching out to business schools, including DePaul University, to offer insights on ethics and white-collar crime. Despite receiving no responses, I continued writing letters.
In January 2009, I finally received a response from DePaul University expressing interest in my blog. They were reading my letters! They even invited me to participate in a documentary on white-collar crime. This opportunity changed my federal prison term and shifted the focus of my writing towards ethics and morality, not just sentencing and federal prison.
Reflecting on my journey, I realize the power of memorializing and documenting our journeys. By documenting our experiences, we gain clarity and insights--by starting, we also learn when to pivot, as I did when I started writing more about ethics. Initially focused on prison life, my blog became a platform for discussing ethics and white-collar crime, leading to speaking engagements and post-release opportunities.
In conclusion, documenting our journeys is personally enriching and vital to ensuring success after prison. If you would like our help, we are here.
Discussion Question:
How can you incorporate the practice of documenting your journey into your daily routine, and what steps will you take to ensure its ongoing progress and growth?
Justin Paperny
[e-mail] - 818-424-2220
Visit www.whitecollaradvice.com to access our federal prison blogs
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[@PlatinumPuzyCat]

Keep rocking dude, I can tell your a good dude!

[@WhiteCollarAdviceOfficial]

Thanks so much!!

[@Bubbaluv8]

Wow, I've never been in trouble with the law, but that was inspiring. Even in the world "out here" we get beat down and rejected. Thank you for your example in never giving up.

[@WhiteCollarAdviceOfficial]

Thank you so much for watching and for your comment!

[@amyturbiner6364]

I do not watch as many since my dad is home from prison but I still love them and watch when I can. Thanks for all you did for my dad!

[@WhiteCollarAdviceOfficial]

I love hearing from you. Thank you and you’re welcome!

[@tod3msn]

We all make mistakes. The wise person learns from these mistakes. In addition, a wise person learns to let go and also forgive themselves.

[@WhiteCollarAdviceOfficial]

I did my best to learn!! Thank you.

[@zachariahtitus1210]

I wonder how you survived the first month of prison. You are a Hero. Respect.

[@jeffreystockman4159]

Advice from criminals, indicted candidates, and a constant stream of bs this is great stuff. lol

[@sanjosemike3137]

I think I can help answer the question: "Why did people of good intentions get involved in the legal system as a criminal?" The answer is because of our system of laws. Almost any professional work or activity can result in mismanagement of the laws that govern it. They are enormously complex. This is deliberate. Staying within the threshold of legality is a full-time job. It is YOUR obligation to do this when you enter a profession. You cannot ignore this or push it aside. If you make mistakes with those laws and regulations, it is often possible to STOP it before you end up in Court or are arrested. A mistake that you catch and learn from is a gift from God. Sanjosemike (no longer in CA) Retired surgeon