CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) — Jesse Crosson, who was sentenced to 32 years in prison at the age of 18, is now sharing his experiences behind bars and journey to freedom with his 1.2 million TikTok followers.

After spending 19 years behind bars, Crosson, now 38, shares insights into life in prison, as well as his struggles in readjusting to life outside the prison walls. His posts reveal the captivating and often challenging realities of what life is really like in prison and the difficulty of readjusting to freedom once released.

In one video, Crosson shares the moment he walked out of prison for the first time, expressing how it felt like awakening from a dream that had lasted for nearly two decades. He recounts feeling both grief for the years he lost and joy for his newfound freedom.

Despite the difficulty of readjusting, Crosson has founded the Second Chancer Foundation with the mission of providing direct services for incarcerated people. He also speaks openly about the breakdown and PTSD he experienced, as well as the challenges he faced in various environments and relationships after being released.

One of the most surprising moments in Crosson’s story is the unusual mentor he found in prison, who turned out to be a serial killer. Despite the shocking discovery, Crosson credits the mentor with helping him see the world in a different way and shaping his perspective during his time in prison.

Crosson’s story is one of transformation and growth. Despite the challenges, he was able to earn a Bachelor’s degree, become a journeyman electrician, mentor other men, and find a way forward while behind bars. His journey from imprisonment to freedom serves as a powerful testament to the possibility of redemption and personal growth.