Week 3
Week in Review
Monday October 17, 2016
I woke up in a great mood today knowing that I am blessed by the very best, the one and only true God. I’ve been praying and asking God to please teach me how to speak to people with confidence and assurance. What do you know, today was my first day in one of the greatest classes PEP has to offer: Toastmasters, which is an international public speaking course highly recommended for anyone who wants to be successful in business. I didn’t know what to expect at first, but going through our first class was one of the greatest experiences I’ve encountered since being incarcerated. I have to give it to our Servant Leader (a PEP graduate) who taught a great class. He came in knowing we had no idea what we were doing but he performed as a Servant Leader should and lead by example by showing patience and great consideration of our first-time class.
We had six speakers today, and even though it was everyone’s first time everyone performed great. It’s funny because the six P’s came to mind during some of these speeches: proper, prior, planning prevents poor performance. That’s because you could really notice who came prepared and who didn’t. The ones that didn’t come prepared were the ones that ended up using “and,” “um” and “ah” over and over during their pauses. Another amazing thing I noticed is even though every speaker was a little nervous, each came prepared to learn and everyone showed respect and wise stewardship toward one another, and even had fun doing it. The gentlemen in my group showed great integrity and humility. I am very grateful for all the opportunities PEP has to offer us, and I am looking forward to becoming a greater speaker through PEP’s Toastmaster class!
Joshua C. (a.k.a. Sweet Oh So Serious)
Tuesday October 18, 2016
As I woke up this morning the first thing that popped in my head was, “I have another test today, so what questions do I need to study? Am I prepared? OK, no time to waste. I have to get after it!” After I finished my daily morning routine I hit the books. I am retaining the knowledge very well and the brothers I have in PEP are always willing to help in any way possible.
I found out we didn’t just have one test, but also a pop quiz. As I have learned, you have to stay ready to keep from getting ready. I aced both of those boys! This program really does get you to push your limits and teaches you how to manage your time. I love the challenge and am looking forward to graduation in March. I can’t wait to see the look on my mom’s, kid’s and father’s face. After the test we had a little fun and came up with our class name: “Extreme 17,” which makes me want to drink a Mountain Dew and jump off something. We took our pictures and prayed out a brother who will soon be in the free world. A pray out is simply a video we put together for our brother going home giving him some words of encouragement. In theory he will watch it when feeling down or upset and the video will bring his spirits up. By doing so he can have the extra energy to face whatever challenge he may be facing. I really hope he stays connected with PEP and knows he is not alone in the struggle.
We obtain so many tools for situations we may face to help accomplish our goals, but it isn’t easy. I pray for my brothers. After a little fun we hit about two hours of art history videos. Talk about watching the paint dry! I understand the reason and I love knowledge, but the professor speaks like the guy from the Clear Eyes commercial. WOW! – but I will go through any test, conquer any obstacle, perform any feat because I know what I’m heading toward, and it is a positive change not just for me but for my family that has never given up on me. I will never give up on them either.
Jose C. (a.k.a. Sweet Scrappy Doo)
Wednesday October 19, 2016
Hello to all of you taking the time to read my journal. My name is Blake C. and this is my first journal entry for PEP. Wednesdays are Computer Lab or Toastmasters day; however, I don’t have either since I am one of the few that have those two classes on Mondays. That is not to say that it will not be a busy day. We have a test tomorrow over the Entrepreneurship book. Also there is a chance there might be a pop quiz. Talk about keeping us on our toes, huh?
It can get stressful sometimes around here, but I know everything that we go through is to prepare us to be better individuals. Fighting in the trenches together has helped us build camaraderie with each other that we would otherwise not have built. As newfound friends we have pushed each other to our limits in the classroom and outside of it. It is wonderful to see my brothers and me reach new goals. It is wonderful to see everyone grow together.
I am glad for the extra study time today. Some of us can sure take advantage of it. Chapter Two seems a little hard, so any extra study time that we can get is welcomed. We have a study group to help each other out. You know what they say, “Stay ready to keep from getting ready.” It is only the second week and the pace is quick. I am grateful to be part of this program. It has pushed me to put thought and action toward a successful future.
Blake C. (a.k.a. Sweet Richard Simmons)
Thursday October 20, 2016
I started out my day with studying on my mind. It has been a fast paced two weeks for us in Phase Two. Coming into the PEP room we were given a little play along demonstration of what we were going to be doing tomorrow at out Fun Day event. The demonstration consisted of three sets of 10 jumping jacks, 10 pushups and 10 squats. For some of us this was a very exciting affair. The next task was to take our Chapter Two test. We have been studying hard and I hope that everyone passes.
The mood is always lighter after we test. It is like we can actually breathe easy for a minute. Until we move on, we are always weary that a pop quiz may come out of the woodwork. Our motto is “staying ready to keep from getting ready.” Today we were lucky – no pop quiz. A couple of our Servant Leader brothers gave us a presentation on what is expected of us and how to go about our two-and-a-half to three minute pitches, as well as our do’s and don’ts of our thank you cards. We talked a bit about our event the day after tomorrow, which is a first here at the Sanders Estes unit. We began studying for Chapter Three which was eventful and had its breaks, brought on by some good ole “Wheel of Doom.”
The Wheel of Doom is a device put together by our Servant Leaders to hold us accountable for our shortcomings, all while making it enjoyable. The thing about the Wheel of Doom is that no one is exempt. Not even Brian T. This is how it works: if someone does something wrong, like messing up count or talking during class, the Wheel of Doom is put up on the screen. Then the fun begins. The culprit spins the electronic wheel, then turns around so that he cannot see it. Without seeing he has to tell the DJ to stop the wheel. Whatever it lands on is his penalty. It could be pushups, squats, or the infamous Fonda’s. It’s all in good fun, and keeps us on our toes.
Christopher C (a.k.a. Sweet Lil’ Ralphy)
Expressions
So it’s Saturday! What are we doing at 0600? We are all getting ready for the very first “TCU Day” event here at the Sanders Estes Unit! It is supposed to be a day of fun, excitement and contemplation, as well as an opportunity for us to make PEP proud as we prepare to make a first impression that will last a lifetime!
The PEP graduates got together and decorated the room in the TCU colors – purple and black – with signs that were designed by the graphics team. All in the spirit of fun, which is one of our 10 Driving Values, by the way! The Phase Two participants got the chance to work off some anxious energy: there was a series of lip-sync battles, and of course lots of dancing!
By the time the TCU students came through the door there was so much energy in the air that they could not help but be swept away with emotion! After a quick prayer, we let Bryan K. take the stage. He had a few supportive words to share with the group, and after breaking the ice between each other and shattering the “us vs. them” stigma, we sat down to watch a video put together by our media team. Then it was down to business! The TCU students and the PEP participants split up into smaller groups and began to share information on the various business ideas that the Phase Two guys have put together. I saw several smiles, lots of energy and even a few WOWs from both sides.
Overall I think that once the nervousness passed, there was awe and even a little respect on both sides of the room. I look forward to seeing what the next event brings.
Justin W. (a.k.a. Sweet White Mike Tyson)
Just when you think your plate is full, PEP puts a little more on it. Challenging for sure, but definitely worth the personal development and sense of accomplishment. We are in the early stages of developing our business plans. Coming into the program I was completely unaware that my character was so out of shape. PEP had a remedy for that, and we were enlisted into the Leadership Academy (Phase One) were we dig up our past and examine our mistakes, bad character traits and the root(s) of our downfall. After identifying our problems and accepting accountability for our actions, we begab rebuilding our foundations with the tools PEP has equipped us with. We are in pursuit of our True North, guided by a comprehensive moral compass. We are embracing the changes God has made in our lives, sharing our stories, growing and learning from one another. We are all from different cultures, backgrounds and walks of life, coming together in pursuit of positive change and joy. We are happy and excited about our new business concepts. We attended our Think Tank event last week, our very first event.
I was nervous at first but that nervousness soon vanished and was replaced with smiles, excitement and energy filling the PEP room. The executives and volunteers are our counterparts, and together we are a big family and we “live between the wings.” We are PEP! The event was awesome and went really well. We gained a lot of knowledge, wisdom and advice. We are now in motion, gaining traction and preparing for our next event. Until then I will be sharpening my computer skills in the computer lab and overcoming my fear of public speaking with Toastmasters.
I will be attending Entrepreneurship classes and working on my business plan. Time management and execution are vital in creating a balance in our daily lives. It takes dedication, heart and living out our 10 Driving Values to create that perfect balance. We are growing, learning and becoming better men. We are brothers on a journey to become successful entrepreneurs as well as authentic Servant Leaders.
Larry C. (a.k.a. Sweet Lady Bug)