Wilson decides to get his GED certificate and enrolls in the prison’s GED school, which he discovers is coed. Unlike other inmates who are there only to see women, Wilson focuses on learning. He struggles with math, so the teacher gives him a tutor: Steve Edwards, the fellow lifer he had seen reading in the dayroom. Steve helps Wilson with all his subjects, and Wilson gains confidence. Wilson insists on a rigorous study regimen, including pushups until he solves a word problem. Other inmates begin to gather around Wilson and Steve, placing bets on whether Wilson would solve the problem, and pushing Wilson to get better. Wilson passes the GED exam in December 1997 and receives his diploma on February 27, 1998. None of his family members attend the ceremony.

At 19, having received his high school diploma, Wilson contemplates how he will be remembered and seriously considers why he wants to get out of prison. He decides to make a list of what he wants in life and how to accomplish it. Wilson devotes days to compiling the list. He calls it My Master Plan. He sends one copy to the judge who convicted him and a second copy to Grandma because he knows that Grandma reads her mail and believes that will keep him honest.