Monday, May 28, 2018
Monday for us is usually Toastmasters. We find Toastmasters to be very interesting at times because you never know what your peers will talk about, but one thing for sure is that we will continue to build a bond with each other. Unfortunately today was Memorial Day so we had a day off, but only from attending the PEP classroom. Back on the pods, everything seemed normal for the class of Legacy ‘18. We were allowed to do Toastmasters on the pod, which was more of a relaxed environment.
Tension over our big test is in the air – this week we are being tested on the Economics of One Unit and understanding an income statement. So after Toastmasters, we broke up into study groups to practice and get a better understanding how to solve the practice problems. This is only one of the tests that we all have been preparing for, because we just finished reading our Living in the Village book, so we know that a final exam is headed our way. That’s why we have also been quizzing each other on different chapters from that book as well.
After we were called out for dinner, we celebrated one of our brother’s birthdays by singing “Happy Birthday.” A few men from the new class starting to arrive, and many of us are welcoming them into the culture we have here and sharing with them the tools that have been given to us. We are PEP!
Deryke J.
(a.k.a. “Moon Pie”)
Tuesday, May 29, 2018
Today started off as a very interesting day for us here in the morning. We came with a lot of excitement because of the holiday we had on Monday. As we entered the PEP room, gathered our name badges and took our seats, we were greeted by our very energetic emcee, Brandon F. Here in PEP, we have a tradition of praying in before every class, followed by some very inspirational words, or what we consider “the word of the day.” Then before we went into one of our presentations, we were privileged to be a part of another pray-out for one of our brothers who is going to be released in another month. It’s always good to hear some very encouraging words.
Once the pray-out was completed we were given a review of a very important part of entrepreneurship which is the Economics of One Unit (EOU). We have a big test that we have to be prepared for. Then we had our Peer Educator dance his way to the front of the room and give some positive affirmations to a few brothers and recognize their hard work and dedication to want a successful life and have been living by our 10 Driving Values. These brothers were awarded 10 Driving Values merit stickers to put on their Coats of Arms. Right before our day came to an end, we watched a lecture on art history and learned about Monet and what his art work meant.
James L.
(a.k.a. “Zombie Grandpa”)
Wednesday, May 30, 2018
As we entered the door of the PEP classroom, our emotions were already uneasy because of the upcoming test on the Economics of One Unit (EOUs). We continued into the classroom, got our IDs and spoke to each other for a minute while everyone turned in their homework. You could see the uncertain stress on the faces of many, worried that we would soon know our fate: would we be issued homework, or would it show how hard we have worked to pass the test and absorb the information needed to become an entrepreneur?
Continuing on in class, Brian T. informed us that our instructor for the day would be Jim H. We remembered him from past events he had attended and were very grateful for all his time and advice he gave to all of us. Jim H. taught us Chapter Six of our entrepreneurship book on “Analyzing Cash Flow and Other Financial Information.” He started out by telling us some information about himself; I guess you can call it an “Ice breaker” speech like we’ve all done in Toastmasters. Some of the information was on his past job, and work experience he has, and then on about the three businesses that he owns. Jim H. told us he owned a CPA firm, a consulting firm, and a company that provides homes for single families. He said he is a hands-on kind of person and would probably never stop working. He did a great job at teaching us Chapter Six and we hope he continues his support of PEP. He and many like him are a blessing to all of us, and we thank them all.
Joshua L.
(a.k.a. “Busted Up Can of Biscuits”)
Thursday, May 31, 2018
We as a class and proud participants of PEP had the privilege of learning the value of perseverance and how we should be as creative as possible to generate persevering business ideas, which tend to generate many great benefits. We learned that the secret to great perseverance is balancing morals, values and great consistent ideas that build a product and service pleasing to the customer. We shared with each other the different methods we use to try and persevere, and it came down to having both a loving support system and intelligence that performs wonders. We agreed with both of those two methods, because intelligence requires that we challenge our minds and hearts to become smarter and wiser, but we also know we can’t make it in life on our own without a strong support system. We need family, friends, mentors and God in order to be successful in both life and business. So we all came to the conclusion that perseverance is a must if we want to achieve great goals.
Joshua L.
(a.k.a. “Richie Valens”)
Expressions
To think of a quote that has inspired me and has had the greatest impact throughout my incarceration is one that I heard by another inmate: “If you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything.” This quote has helped me persevere through some of the hardest obstacles that one can endure behind these walls. Growing up, I always felt that I wasn’t good enough for many things and I would just quit. Once I heard this quote, it helped me to reevaluate myself and restructure my whole way of thinking. Now when I believe in something, no matter what challenge or obstacle comes my way, I will not quit. I refuse to be a negative influence on my fellow brothers, and most importantly my family. Because if you don’t stand for something, then you will fall for anything. I live by this quote and know that I believe in myself and will never fall to the point where I can’t get back up.
Justin L.
(a.k.a. “Clap-A-Lot”)