Monday, May 9, 2016

Today started at 5:30 a.m. with a quick “thank you” to the Lord for giving me another day. After I got my hygiene out the way, I looked at a photo of my son and daughter, tell them how much I love them and I’m getting closer.
Computer lab started at 7 a.m., where we got to work on some Microsoft Word programs. (My typing needs a lot of work.) As class ended, I was called to give my three minute business pitch. We have a Venture Capital Panel (VCP) event coming up this Saturday; this pitch took me 11 hours to craft, and I’d already said it 60-70 times. “I am ready – I’ve got this.” So it was flowing … everything was going great … I am hitting every point … and then it happened: Gami J. walked in with his “Zoolander” face, and I lost all train of thought. My mind went blank and I couldn’t remember my closing. Test failed.

The second part of the day was great. I like to arrive to Toastmasters class early. It is always better to “stay ready to keep from getting ready.” Toastmasters is a lot of fun – we get to work on our public speaking which will help out with our VCP pitch this weekend. All in all, today was great.

Perry E. (a.k.a. Sweet Comfortable Pillow)

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Today in class we got our market research request to fill out for our business plan advisors to ask them about any information they might be able to provide about our business plans. When we started in PEP, we all thought we would have to make up a business plan and we would be on our own when it came down to the research. I never would have thought we would have people out there in the free world who would take the time out of their busy schedule to actually do some research for us and take the time to give us advice on our business plans or answer any questions we might have. It is great to know that PEP has this type of network!

We also got to participate in our first class of Living in the Village, which is teaching us on how to manage our finances and preparing us for our futures including retirement. The information we are learning will be crucial for benefiting our lives. I have made poor choices in my life, but I have also made some good ones as well. Choosing to take this PEP challenge is one of the best choices I’ve ever made. I look forward to walking across that stage with all my PEP brothers and watching Brian T. do more Fondas. (“Fondas” involve lying on your side doing scissor-like leg lifts and act like you are talking on the phone in front of the whole class, all the while having “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” playing over the sound system.) Way to lead by example, Brian T.!

Jessie F. (a.k.a. Sweet Chewbacca)

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Good morning! I want to start saying that God is good – He has blessed me with another day. Like most of us we wake up, brush our teeth and get ready for the day. Some of us have computer lab today, some of us have the day off … but not today. We went in at 10 a.m. so that Gary K. could show us a strong budgeting plan. We were super excited – when it was time to go to the PEP room, surprise, surprise … WOW! We had to give our pitches. My mind began to wonder, “Am I going to choke?” I told myself, “Self, don’t choke because maybe you won’t be called.” After listening to a few pitches I heard next up we had – me! Gulp! Then I said, “Self, you got this.” I began my pitch close to the end of my intro, and then they called chow; saved by the chow bell! So, I thought, soon as soon as Gary was done, back to the pitch panel, and this time I would be ready to deliver. I started over and ten seconds into my pitch Dallas H. decided to put the microphone up close to me and I heard myself speaking – and I froze. I looked at him and asked him why would you do that to me? He told me keep going so I snapped back strong and got through my pitch. My time was two minutes and 30 seconds. The second time I executed with excellence and hit my mark by timing in at two minutes and 54 seconds. Shortly after it was time to pray out. Back at my cell I analyzed my day with my PEP brothers I’ve grown close to. Now it’s crunch time; time to study due to our big test tomorrow and our VCP event on Saturday. Cool beans!

To our loved ones who read these journal entries, know you’re in our prayers and may God bless all of us. Also, to my family, I love you and miss you so very much and can’t wait to give Daddy special kisses. To my two big girls, Gabby and Serenity, and to my wife, I love you. I thank God for this program.

Benselado F. (a.k.a. Sweet Disco Sister)

Thursday, May 12, 2016

Our next PEP event, called “Venture Capital Panel,” is almost here, and everyone is ready to do their best. One of the ways we have to break the ice with the executive volunteers is to line dance. As you can guess some of us cannot line dance very well. That means practice, practice, practice. That is on top of the practice, practice, practice for our pitches. All the hard work is worth it in the end.
As it is Thursday, we have entrepreneurship class. Brian T. is a great instructor but is a master of getting off-subject. That he did. At one point he actually said, “Wow I have dragged this on forever.” Another thing that Thursday means is TEST TIME! Most of us did well on the chapter test. Unfortunately the pop quiz got some of us. These guys have a way of keeping us on our toes, don’t they? Like I said: it is all worth it in the end.

Kyle F. (a.k.a. Boss Lady)

Saturday, May 14, 2016

Words cannot explain how great the Venture Capital Panel event was today. I noticed something refreshing: the growth happening within every participant present as we united in groups in order to hear each other’s pitches and encourage each other to perform well. Let’s keep persevering through the obstacles that may discourage us to throw in the towel. The only reason you should be looking down on someone is to help them up.

Oscar G. (a.k.a. Sweet Aladdin)