Released: Michael's Story

Michael was raised by his loving maternal grandparents, but his nurturing upbringing was not enough to keep him away from trouble, and he began hanging out with the wrong crowd as a young man. Previously incarcerated for multiple offenses, Michael was planning to join the Marines before he was convicted of armed robbery and sentenced to 18 years in prison.

During his incarceration, in 2012, Michael's grandfather passed away, leaving Michael devastated. "I wanted him to see me finish this sentence," Michael says, tearing up at the memory of his beloved "right-hand man."

Although Michael missed out on a great deal while in prison, he credits his sentence with possibly saving his life and for leading him to a future ripe with possibility. "I feel like I was put here not only to live longer but to use my mind for something better."

Tune in to the premiere of Released September 30 at 10/9c—only on OWN.

Want to know what else is coming up on OWN? Sign up for the This Week on OWN Newsletter.