Shortly before his sentencing hearing in New York in front of Judge Kaplan, Sam Bankman-Fried said that his “useful life is probably over” as he prepares to enter federal prison. That feeling of despair is common for anyone stepping into the uncertainty of this environment. I felt the same way before I began my 18-month sentence, convinced my life, as I knew it, was over.
Then I got to federal prison, and something unexpected happened: I found clarity.
For all the fear and anxiety, federal prison can bring focus. For Sam, one source of clarity begins with knowing his release date, as obvious as that sounds. No matter how far away it feels now, it’s a point to work toward—a reminder that this experience will end and relatively speaking he will leave prison a young man around 50 years old.
Learning From Others Inside Federal Prison
One of the most important parts of my federal prison experience was learning from others who had already navigated it successfully. My friend and business partner, Michael Santos, showed me how to make the most of the time. Michael served 26 years for a nonviolent drug crime, but instead of complaining or giving up, he spent every day working to create opportunities for himself in prison which set up his life after his release in 2013.
Sam will meet people like Michael—those who know that complaining or wasting time doesn’t lead to anything productive. These are the people who use the time in federal prison to focus on self-improvement, staying disciplined, and preparing for life after prison.
Taking Judge Kaplan’s Words Seriously
Judge Kaplan admonished Sam at sentencing. Whether he realizes it now or not, those words were an opportunity to reflect. Sam has a chance to decide how he’ll spend this time in federal prison. Will he focus on contributing, or let this experience pass him by? The opportunity to build something new won’t just fall into his lap—he’ll have to act, as Michael taught me to do.
Steps to Take While in Federal Prison
Time in federal prison isn’t just about waiting for release; it’s about preparing for what comes next. That preparation involves specific actions:
- Focus on Giving Back/Education: This could mean pursuing formal studies, learning a new skill, or teaching others.
- Plan for Life After Prison: Develop a roadmap for what happens after release—whether it’s rebuilding a career, repairing relationships, or contributing to society.
A Choice to Make
Federal prison is hard, but it doesn’t have to be the end. Many people have used this time to refocus, build new skills, and lay the groundwork for their release. It was easier for me because I only had 18 months to serve; Michael did it for 26 years. Whatever the sentence, do the work, or the time will slip away.
Justin Paperny
