Week 1
Week in Review
Monday March 27, 2017
What we have learned at the beginning of the first phase of the Prison Entrepreneurship Program has come to us as a rude awakening, sneaky surprise or shock – that is the only way I know how to describe the journey our class has taken in contrast to what we expected. For the most part we expected to gain business knowledge, as well as ideas on how to better perform and be successful at marketing our business ventures. The reality is we got more than what we expected – in addition to vital information we require to run a business successfully, we’ve been given high moral guidelines to live with serenity in our lives, accompanied with love for others and self and how to live with honesty and integrity in all that we do.
Robert M. Lewis, author of The Quest for Authentic Manhood, walked us through this journey one day at a time, revealing one sacred ethic or value at a time, beginning with getting to know and understand ourselves. We also covered things like being able to think through where we stand and what we must do; how to better present ourselves; using our problem solving techniques and basic tools. The road to authentic manhood has been most rewarding and motivating in our lives. We have embraced it and understand that by living the virtues that we have learned through this phase and applying it all to our daily activities, as well as the business dealings we have with others, we will ultimately reap blessings and prosperity in all that we do.
With that being said, we can honestly call it an honor to have this opportunity. I hope that we all cherish the discernment of PEP’s 10 Driving Values in our lives and apply all of them, but especially Integrity and Accountability. We can now welcome the personal transformation by our peer-driven character assessments and behavior modification with love.
Jose A. (a.k.a. Selena)
Tuesday March 28, 2017
Man! We didn’t think PEP was going to be this way. Phase I took us by surprise. We read The Quest for Authentic Manhood throughout all of Phase I. Authentic manhood touched on some very good topics about day-to-day living. First, we talked about the four main faces of manhood: the King, the Warrior, the Lover and the Friend. The reason we discussed this in our groups is because everyone has character traits of the four faces. The other topic that touched us was looking back and dealing with our past so we can become authentic men. It taught us that until a man unpacks his past and deals with it, the past can hinder us from becoming “authentic men.” That is why our class looked back and dealt with our pasts in small groups to address our inner issues.
I cannot forget to mention of the fun we have. Outside of the tests we had to endure, there are some fun things we have only experienced in PEP, including a “dance off,” lip sync contest and nicknames given by the class – even the volunteer executives have nicknames, which PEP calls “sweet names.” It’s just like one big family. Some of us did not like our sweet names at first, but now it has grown on us and we enjoy the camaraderie this class is building. We realize what PEP is doing as it prepares us for society, rinsing off the institutional ways we have been surrounded by. There is definitely no place like PEP. We are now ready to enter Phase Two (business phase of the program) to bring our goals to fruition. We are ready to become the authentic men, leaders and entrepreneurs our families and communities deserve. We are the class of “Pristine ’17.”
Eugene A. (a.k.a. Juggernaut)
Wednesday March 29, 2017
Today we studied for the last of the six tests before officially beginning the Business portion, called “Phase Two.” We are proud of our accomplishments to have come this far with classmates we now count as friends. We went to the PEP classroom with the excitement of having come this far. Upon entering the room we prayed in and read the word of the day. Shortly after, the emcee said, “Everything under your seat – it’s test time.” Then clipboards and tests were handed out. It was hard, but we got through it. After we were done we received our Entrepreneurship books and papers to do our “heart check” homework. We all knew it was coming, and the time is finally here. We came back to the dorms and shortly afterwards pencils, pens and paper were out and we were in our stride to complete our homework. I know hard work pays off, and this is just the beginning of a path that will benefit me, my family and my fellow PEP brothers. I know our families, staff and executive volunteers will be supporting us as we continue this journey. PEP is a true blessing. I leave you with this: “Do not count the days; make the days count.”
Eric A. (a.k.a. Buttercups)
Thursday March 30, 2017
After a long week of hoping for the best, the time is finally here as we are about to begin Phase Two. Today we headed down to the PEP room not knowing what to expect, but I know one thing for sure: when we walked in the room, it was decorated with music blaring. All the PEP Servant Leaders welcomed us into our Phase Two kickoff. We began dancing, lip syncing and popping balloons, as well as a Rock-Paper-Scissors competition. It was a blast with all of us enjoying ourselves. Fun is one of our 10 Driving Values, and we all had a good time.
Just last week we welcomed in students from Northwestern University in Illinois. There is never a dull moment in PEP, and it was great watching the students and seeing a lot of smiles and joy in the classroom. We had a chance to break into small groups, and each group had a university student in it, where we all talked about our business plans. Spirits were high. There is nothing like this – I can’t even compare it to anything, but I look forward to the road ahead to see what PEP has in store for us.
Johnny B. (a.k.a. Little Richard)
Expressions
I have accomplished a lot since entering the PEP program. I have completed the Quest for Authentic Manhood and signed the contract before entering into Phase Two. I am ready to be held to a higher standard of accountability and build better character for my family and community. This program is hard at times, and sometimes I feel I cannot complete it all since I have not been challenged since completing high school. But I am ready for what the Prison Entrepreneurship Program has to offer. There is nothing that will make me quit this program. I intend on opening a business in the food industry, since both of my parents were chefs and cooking is one thing I have passion for. In this program we live by PEP’s 10 Driving Values, including Accountability, Execution, Fresh-Start Outlook and Fun. I practice living by these Driving Values daily, but it is easy doing the right thing in here. The real challenge will start upon release when the choices I make will determine how my life will end up. I hope and pray to continue making better choices than I have made in the past, because my choices not only affect me but my loved ones too.
Terrance B. (a.k.a. Bubba Gump)