What is it like to be in prison for many years?

Vernie Seidel is presently a YouTuber who did 29 years in Missouri prison system. Don't forget to check out his YouTube channel and subscribe as he often talks about his 29 years in prison. In response to the question above, Vernie originally shares his answer on Quora. The response has already generated 1.5M views and 3.3K upvotes with 260 comments. For added advantage, the response in his publication has been paraphrased in some parts and it is to help give readers some idea about how is it like to be in prison for many years - You can view Vernie's original response on Quora via (https://qr.ae/pv38pj). Now here is Vernie's response to the Question Above.

I was incarcerated for 29 years, In 2016, I was released. The first prison to which I was transported was the most violent. What I saw there would turn your nightmares into fairy tales. I only stayed for 5 years before being transferred, yet it felt like an eternity. You become acutely aware of your surroundings. You grow accustomed to seeing the same people every day. You almost look forward to being transferred because it will provide a change of scenery. You will know someone after a while in prison, no matter where they transfer you to. I've been out for nearly four years, and if I went to practically any male prison in Missouri today, I'd see someone I know.

I recall receiving my last response from the parole board in 2015. Keep in mind that I'd already been denied five times. I was summoned to the caseworker's office. The Institutional Parole Officer was present when I arrived. "Just got this," he says, handing me a piece of paper that reads, "You have been scheduled for release from confinement on November 18, 2016." Even though it was 16 months away, I couldn't believe I had a release date! "I wanted to hand deliver this one," the IPO smiled.

The majority of the prison knew by the end of the day. People were congratulating me, and I wondered how they knew. I noticed this guy approaching towards me in the yard. Now, this guy didn't like me very much, and the feeling was reciprocal. "Watch my back while I see what this MFer wants," I informed my partners. I walked a short distance towards him before coming to a halt. He walks up, removes his sunglasses, and stares at me, and I stare back.

"Look, I don't like you, but we've spent a lot of time together," he finally admits. One thing I know about you is that you are neither a punk or a rat, and you have survived all these years. You are simply... never mind. Much respect, sir." He then walks away, giving me a fist bump. I was taken aback. I was expecting that a**hole to label me a POS. lol



(Having received so many comments and feedback under his original response to the question, Vernice added this edit after some time had passed).

The Edit: I'm overwhelmed by the wonderful feedback on this. Especially those that send their best wishes. I attempted to thank everyone individually, but I'm sure I left some out. Let me thank you once more from the bottom of my heart. Your well wishes are wonderful. It demonstrates that there are still nice individuals in the world.

When I first started answering questions on Quora, I assumed I'd only answer a few prison-related ones. However, many of you have urged me to write more, and the questions have continued to pour in. So I'll give it my all for you. Some of you have expressed surprise at how well I appear to be doing after 29 years. But it is all of you who have astounded me. I can only express my heartfelt gratitude.