Week 3
Week in Review
Monday March 25, 2019
This morning our PEP class participated in Toastmasters International. We all learn about public speaking by partaking in active roles during club meetings. Today’s Toastmaster role was filled by Russell W. Russell did a fantastic job leading Toastmasters for the first time, and was supported by the following: Kevin T. (General Evaluator), Gail B. (“Ah” Counter), Timmy J. (Timer), Jaime A. (Grammarian), Kanon G. (Listening Master) and Devonte B. (Table Topics Master). As Grammarian, Jaime A. provided today’s word for the day, which was “primp.” Kanon G. was a most excellent listener and tested each of us on our listening skills by asking great questions following the presenting portion of the meeting. As a result, Kanon G. was dishing out pushups like they were going out of style.
Justin F. kicked off the speeches by giving his first-ever speech at Toastmasters. Adam T. and Jordan T. gave speeches relevant to their previous work experience. The common theme was meat for both speeches. Adam described some of the stresses wording as a prep cook for a Taco Bell knock-off restaurant, Taco Villa. Jordan T. gave a speech on the finer details of slaughtering a cow. Joe C. gave a speech on how he is a superhero to his son. Tyson T. gave his speech on fishing, something country folk could relate to quite well. Andrew N. and Devonte B. both gave motivational speeches on the secrets of stratospheric success and sitting on a gold mine, respectively. Kanon G. gave a great, sobering speech on the three phases of drug treatment. Personally, my speech was on the step-by-step requirements for planning and installing an aquarium. Last but not least, Jaime A. gave a hilarious account of being stuck on a waterslide at Schlitterbahn. This was our third week of Toastmasters for our group, and I can proudly say that we are all on our way to becoming confident public speakers.
Derek C. (a.k.a. “Little Teapot”)
Tuesday March 26, 2019
Today we began our day as we always do in PEP, praying in and putting God at the forefront of our day. We watched two videos: one on art history that focused on the artists Claude Monet and Pierre Aguste Renoir, and another American history video on the industrial revolution and the time leading to the Civil War. Next we took a test over Chapters One and Two of Living in the Village. We also went over Chapter Three of Living in the Village as a class. Two of our PEP brothers shared examples of their venture capital pitch to give us an idea of what we will be doing at our next event on April 12, when we give our own venture capital pitches to executive volunteers – our business pitches need to be between two and a half and three minutes long.
We are all business in PEP, but one of the 10 Driving Values, “Fun,” means we also need to enjoy ourselves and have good times as well. A couple of our brothers had to do a wheel of doom and a couple had to do Fonda’s also. It gave us a good laugh and lets us know and be reminded that no one is above reproach. It is a privilege to be part of a group that demonstrates hard work, determination and good character. The class of Legendary ’19 is coming along just fine. We ended another productive day just as we started, with prayer. We are PEP!
Jose C. (a.k.a. “William Hong”)
Wednesday March 27, 2019
Today the atmosphere was filled with anxiety, confidence and even impatience as the class of Summer ’19 embarked on yet another endeavor in an effort to ratify our class’s name: the Legendary class of 2019! No surprise – we did just that. After the pray-in, our two hosts were introduced traditionally – from the back of the room – so that they could dance up to the front of the room in an attempt to loosen the class up a little. However, our hosts, Victor l. and Abraham S., were not ready for the energy that Legendary ’19 delivered. As they formally introduced themselves, they asked the question, “How are you doing, Legendary ’19?” The class immediately responded anxiously by saying, “Face the Library, we’re ready!” and “Let’s go!” So without further ado, the class was instructed to face the library and prepare to take this week’s test. Our test covered basic business and Chapters One and Two of entrepreneurship textbook.
Every week, we have exactly seven days to prepare ourselves for tests, which can be one test or a series of tests. This forces the individuals to prepare carefully and implement time management wisely. And judging by the guys’ enthusiasm and eagerness to take these tests, it’s safe to say that Legendary ’19 has done just that. In conclusion, we are PEP! Go class of Summer ’19.
Alan C. (a.k.a. “Low-carb Burger”)
Thursday March 28, 2019
Today we watched about an hour and a half of art history. A professor from the University of Dallas teaches the class. He goes in-depth as he explains different pictures. I’m pretty sure he has changed the perspective on how we all look at the different stages of classical painting. He has taught us how to examine the painter’s emotions and whether what we see in the pictures are happy, sad or mad. I know the next time PEP brothers see a classical painting, they will be able to determine what was going on during the time the artist painted it.
We also watched another episode of American history. The video we watched was a reaction to what was going on in the end of the 18th century and the beginning of the 19th century. We learned about how the doctors of that time would use medicine and how people would get limbs amputated. We also learned about how the fabric of cotton started to grow in the south and how it became very expensive and changed the whole world. Many of us don’t take the time out to realize how easy past generations have made it for us today. The slaves worked extra hard, day in and day out, only to make about two dollars a month. We also got tested on art history. Fortunately, I was taking proper notes and was able to pass.
After we finished watching both videos, our class emcees went to the front of the room and gave us some positive words to keep us going and strengthen our minds to continue in the program. In conclusion, we learned a lot that we can apply to our daily lives.
Malik C. (a.k.a. “Vanilla Moon Pie”)
Expressions
“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”
~ Thomas Edison
This quote reminds me of my own life in a way. I’ve messed up time and time again, and I was alright with saying, “I’ve failed.” In reality, I have only made wrong decisions. I believe this quote explains a lot to everyone who has made wrong decisions in life. Thomas Edison made 10,000 wrong decisions and still refused to quit. He chose to learn from his mistakes, and in doing so he became one of the most prolific inventors in the world. That in itself inspires me and shows me that just because I’ve made wrong decisions, that shouldn’t stop me from becoming something great in life. I truly believe that while everyone makes mistakes, it’s what you learn from them that determines who you are and what you want to become. This quote has left me with an ambitious mindset and the strength to let the past become a building block for a positive future.
Thomas Edison had several goals in life and accomplished a list. The main thing is that he didn’t give up; he didn’t let his 10,000 wrong decisions stop him from achieving what he had his mind set on doing. I will continue to use this quote in the future to help me push forward and accomplish the goals I have set. Remember, don’t give up and keep an ambitious mindset.
Thomas C. (a.k.a. “May Not 2”)