On January 25, students at Hyde School were on the edge of their seats during a talk given by Michael Austin, who was released from prison in 2001 after serving 27 years for a murder he did not commit.

Austin told students that in 2001, after many appeals, he was released and in 2004 he received a formal apology from the state of Maryland. He invested the time he served in prison on changing his life and working to become the kind of man he could admire.

“I finished high-school and received my GED, and then I enrolled in college courses,” Austin explains. “At one point, I was fortunate to have a cellmate who was a musician. He taught me how to play and read music. Music became my sanctuary.”

For many who listened to and watched Austin as he presented his story on the stage of the Hyde School Cultural Center, it became increasingly apparent that the impact his prison time had on his character was significant. Understanding his own role in how he found himself in the position of being the accused and charged versus the victim, was key to experiencing personal growth, and also drove him harder to prove his innocence.

“Before I went to prison, I had already been arrested twice and had a history with drugs,” says Austin. “That carelessness and disregard for my life helped to set the stage for my conviction.”

After the presentation, some Hyde School students and faculty spoke about how the depth of Austin’s understanding of himself was the true inspiration of his personal story. The powerful impact of his words and the heartfelt sincerity with which he delivered them brought the audience to a standing ovation.

“Your story reminded me of how important it is to value what I have and to be grateful for my life,” says Hyde School senior Danuel Drayton. “I’m inspired by your optimism and your ability to share this story with others.”

Austin also had a personal connection to Hyde School. Junior Pat Donnellan introduced Austin, saying that he “considered himself lucky to know Austin as a friend. He has helped me through some tough times, and he is one of the people that made it possible for me to attend Hyde.”

Austin shared that he always enjoys getting the chance to speak to students and to share his story with them.

“My ordeal was horrible,” says Austin. “What I want to do is just let people know that my ordeal was an ordeal that was difficult to overcome, but that you can get over these things.”