Week 6
Monday May 1, 2017
Most people look forward to Fridays because it means their school or work week is over. As most people dread their Monday mornings, I enjoy mine, because for me it means back to school (funny, right?) – let me explain why.
Every Monday morning at 9 a.m. our Toastmasters (toastmasters.org) class begins. The “club meeting” consists of three basic parts: 1) Prepared speeches – each individual speaks in front of an audience on a given topic; 2) Evaluations – each speaker receives constructive criticism on strengths and weaknesses re: speech delivery, eye contact and professionalism; 3) Table Topics – this is where someone picks three members in the audience and asks an impromptu question that will make them “think” quickly on their feet for a response. We are very active in this class with everyone being able to interact and learn from each other. There is never a dull moment.
Today, my duty was to be the “Grammarian,” which means I had two responsibilities – first, I selected the Word of the Day (WOD) that each speaker then had to incorporate into his speech to help increase that person’s vocabulary and help learn how to use it correctly in everyday conversation. My second responsibility was to correct any misuse of words, run-on sentences or slang terminology. We build a stronger connection with one another week after week as we learn something new about someone else in class. In a Toastmasters class of around 30 participants, we are a small community that always lifts each member up. We strive to see one another succeed! The brainpower in our fraternity is on fire with knowledge, ideas and suggestions. We learn, learn some more and then we have fun. We recognize the potential and progress in each person. We stand on values of integrity, respect, service and excellence. We truly develop great communication and leadership skills, and it is inspiring! The experience and camaraderie is so surreal!
Demetri G. (a.k.a. Marilyn Monroe)
Tuesday May 2, 2017
This morning I woke up and had a feeling that we were going to have a pop quiz on our Living in the Village book – awesome book, by the way. I decided to review the book before taking off to PEP classroom. Once we arrived at the PEP classroom our day started, and it was great! We prayed-in like we always do and greeted our brothers with some love. Then not even two minutes later, what do you know: “Everyone, would you please take your chair and face it toward us.” We already knew what was coming next. I sure was glad I took the time this morning to look over that book. After the pop quiz, two of my brothers had a presentation over the book. They were great at breaking things down, and we got a better understanding on things we need to focus on when we get out such as budgeting, establishing credit and financial security.
Then we watched an art history video which was interesting. Toward the end of class we had two of our brothers who were prayed-out, Jamie and Kieran. We wish both of them the best and to keep pushing. I know it is hard, but I know they will do well upon their release.
This is how the class of the Pristine ‘17 started and ended the day. As always, it is always a blessing to be able to wake up, better myself, and learn from my PEP brothers.
Ricardo G. (a.k.a. Jack-O-Lantern)
Wednesday May 3, 2017
Some of us started the day at about 4 a.m. PEP brothers in our dorm were already up studying and working to learn as much about Chapter Four as possible. The entrepreneurship textbook is helpful as a guide in building structure and generating ideas on what to look for when starting a business. At the same time, it is also a big challenge because we get tested on each chapter, and it is difficult to memorize all the key terms and lists that we read about. So some of our Phase Two brothers were sitting at the tables in small groups studying together and giving each other oral tests on what they know.
We all ended up getting a big surprise when we found out that Bert S., our entrepreneurship instructor, was going to be here today. That made some of us tense, and it made me a little nervous, because sometimes we have a hard time with remembering all that we have read. We make practice tests and take time to learn them together, but I seem to have a high level of test anxiety. A lot of the material that we go over seems to be hard to retain when it comes time to take the actual test. PEP is starting to get a little difficult. I am sure that many of the participants, not only the ones in my pod, will overcome any learning difficulties that we may have. Not only that, but a majority of us actually plan to own and operate our own businesses upon release, so this course will prepare and equip us with knowledge and provide a network of other entrepreneurs willing to help us with valuable knowledge along our path in life.
Ruben G. (a.k.a. Paul Wall)
Thursday May 4, 2017
Bert S. lectured on Chapter 5 and explained to everyone what a mission statement means to a business or company. A mission statement is a brief statement that summarizes the purpose of the business or firm and provides vision, goals and some simple rules to the company. It also helps employees see that the company they are working for has integrity. It helped us understand why we need a mission statement for business. Bert then went on to explain how it will help our business grow, as well as how to build a strong mission statement. First, make the mission statement short, but in a way that informs customers and employees what a business’s mission, or goal, is. It must also describe the strategy and tactics that will be used to meet that goal. Second, make it simple and clear so everyone can understand it. Third, make it universal so it helps employees make active decisions without having to refer to others for directions. Fourth, a mission statement needs to be specific because it tells everyone what to do on a daily basis.
A good mission statement helps everyone in the business to achieve goals, whether professional or personal. Bert also spoke about strategy and the importance of making sure your strategy addresses gaps in the business. Afterwards, we ended our day together as we always do, with a pray-out.
Stephen G. (a.k.a. Shrek)
Expressions
So much happened this week. Toastmasters is great – I really look forward to going because my PEP brothers make it very fun and enjoyable. Afterwards in the computer lab I started with Microsoft word and ended with learning about the Economics of One Unit (EOUs). I am starting to get the hang of it, but I know there has to be an easier way.
Tuesday was bitter sweet. We had a quiz over Living in The Village. It is a good book with a lot of good information about finances. At the end we had two pray-outs, where a couple of us – including me this time – are given a chance to address the class with our closest friends giving words of encouragement that are heartfelt and sometimes full of laughter.
Wednesday we had a test over Chapter 4 and Bert S. went over Chapter 5 discussing the purpose of mission statements and why it plays a major role in the goals a business is trying to accomplish. We also had a test that worked out well, as we have a slight competition to motivate one another to succeed.
Thursday I studied Chapter 5 and rehearsed my pitch for upcoming events. I still have to read Living in The Village and scan over Chapter 6 of the Entrepreneurship textbook to be ready for next week. If you do not work, you do not eat. Hard work pays off.
Today is Cinco de Mayo. I have been rehearsing my pitch and studying for the upcoming test. I am glad it is Friday so I get a chance to relax a little. Go Rockets! Pristine ’17 is in the building; a shout out to the class of Extreme ‘17 and Servant- Leaders for all they do. PEP – we are family.
Jamie G. (a.k.a. Porky Pig)