Estes Fall 2026 Weekly Journals
Week 2
Monday August 3, 2026
Marvelous Mondays appear to be the class’s favorite since they get us ready for the week to come. We started our day and week off by grabbing our name badges immediately after entering the classroom. Then, we turn in any homework from over the weekend. Following that, we locate our seats. Next is dance time. We let go and get loose. Everyone has a chance to show off their dance moves down the center aisle, surrounded on both sides by loving brothers.
Showing our graceful and loving God our sincere gratitude, we reach out to brothers on each side of us to unite as one, as we pray for God’s guiding hand through our day. In typical tradition, we flow right into the “quote of the day” and what we gleam from it. The quote today was “quitting is guaranteed failure.” Which means that if you quit, then all you can expect is failure. It’s not about the fall. It’s about the getting back up.
Class began with Bruce T. teaching a course on “Living in the Village”. Leading into the rest of the day, we went and had lunch. Today was a little different, because once we finished in the cafeteria, we had to return right back to class. We expected a super busy afternoon, but it ended up being an easy day. We were able to release from class a little earlier than usual.
All in all, today was a great day. We were able to rest up and prepare for tomorrow.
Christopher Barnes (aka “Miley Cyrus”)
Tuesday August 4, 2026
Energy, energy, energy! We started the day off doing a dance off with our pods. Dancing helps us to come alive, since we have to be in the PEP classroom by 8 a.m. With the music on and everyone feeling the energy, it helps us get active.
We usually have an assignment to turn in, which is required prior to our morning pray-in. If we fail to complete the homework and have it turned in on time, there are consequences. More homework. That instills timeliness and execution.
The program is pretty intense, but if we put our minds to it, we can get through this and successfully finish together. There are rules to follow, such as remaining respectful and quiet during specific activities, appropriate language only, and several more. If we fail to follow the rules, as with anything else in PEP and life, again, there will be repercussions.
After that, we said a prayer. The PEP brothers put up a quote, which we discussed, and agreed that we should all apply in our lives upon reentry. The quote of the day said, “the most pathetic person in the world is someone who has sight but has no vision.”
To end the classwork portion of our day, some of the brothers recited their Toast Master’s speech. We are all required to meet predetermined objectives that help us grow as an effective communicator. This requires us delivering a series of speeches in front of our fellow classmates. It can be pretty nerve-racking, but when you get a couple of minutes into delivering it, you start to fall into your comfort zone.
Last, but definitely not least, we ended the day with a prayer by another of our PEP brothers. Go PEP!
Nicholas Benavidez (aka “Chihuahua from Taco Bell”)
Wednesday August 5, 2026
This morning was time for servant leaders involved in the upcoming event on Friday to gather and discuss the stages of event planning and event operations. The afternoon is still dedicated to Clubhouse for the previous class of graduates. This means that current class was able to dedicate some much-needed time to practicing for the coming event and to put some time into studying the next two chapters of Living in the Village. We spent time delivering our pitches to each other, as we perfected the art of delivery and public speaking.
It was great being able to have a bit of time to decompress and invest into event day preparation for our pitches. The servant leaders who remained behind this morning were all more than happy to help us catch up on any homework and to listen to our pitches. A day of no class doesn’t mean a day of no work. It means time to buckle down and focus on what is lacking or needing attention.
We ended the day by delivering our pitches in our pods, in front of our fellow brothers in a final moment of practice. This helped reassure our readiness and to work out any kinks or presentation issues in our pitches. It was a great day and we all stand eager to get to the event day.
Tacoby B (aka “Wacky Waving Inflatable Tube Man”)
Thursday August 6, 2026
Today was such a great and fun day. We had an executive come in today and pour into us. Thanks be to God for having people like him who are willing to come into prison to teach us. He went over Chapters 1 and 2 of our “Entrepreneurship” book. He proved kindness to us by answering any and all questions that any of us presented to him. I was able to learn several differences between small and large businesses. We even learned about the fundamentals of acquiring start-up or operating capital through loans. By the completion of the presentation, I had a more comprehensive understanding of what it takes to make my idea successful. For example, I understand how to make a budget work. But even in the event of budget failure, I know how to make adjustments.
Today was a blessing. Thank you, God, and thank you PEP. I can only hope that executives continue to come and pour into us, sharing with us the important topics we need to know. I seriously look forward to applying the knowledge they’re teaching us into my own business one day. I am gaining confidence in my ability to eventually open and run a successful business in the future. Again, thank you to each executive who comes and supports us. God bless you all.
Jose Blanco (aka “Chunky Monkey”)
Friday August 7, 2026
Words alone cannot express how great Friday was. It was a change of pace, as we were given an opportunity to step outside of the comfort zone we have grown so accustomed to. We showed the hard work and dedication that we, as a class, have strived to make priority in our daily lives.
However, the day would not have been able to begin without some event day dancing to hype us up and get us moving. After a bit of fun, we prayed in. Then, we introduced ourselves and our fun names to break out of any shyness we may have still been feeling. We were able to give our pitches and meet executives. We showed them the progress and change that even one month has enabled in us. The executives who were present also introduced themselves and owned their own fun names. This showed us that not only are we all human, but that people have such a high level of compassion and commitment for those of us working towards creating better versions of ourselves.
The day ended with three of us being able to present our testimonies to all in attendance, to speak about the impact that PEP has had in facilitating our change as individuals and growing as a brotherhood. For an event to be so exciting, especially while being incarcerated, and to be so focused on giving us a second chance at life by being able to return to society as someone able to build something of ourselves, is something worth being extremely grateful for. We now have a foundation to grow from so that we can avoid coming back to prison in the future. All I can say is what an amazing first event!
Jermaine B. (aka “Gina from Martin”)
Expressions
“Do it right the first time, so you won’t have to do it again.” – Contractor’s Saying
Today’s quote of the day is my favorite quote. It is the quote about execution, one of the Ten Driving Values at the very core of the program. It is a constant reminder that by putting forth the effort to complete my assignments correctly the first time, it prevents me from having to start over again. I had one of my coworkers say this quote to me at a job site when we were laying tarp to install gravel around trees. He spent an hour showing me how to do this specific task. I had completed one of the steps wrong which forced me to take it all down and start over again. I try to apply this quote to my best advantage in my daily assignment. It is one of the lessons I learned and value the most.
If it was not for the job in landscaping, I don’t think I would have ever heard that quote. I am very appreciative that God gave me the opportunity to work in the landscaping business alongside leaders that taught me things I did not know. I have learned a lot of valuable lessons that I can apply to my day to day life. Working with coworkers that have experience has also helped me a lot. They guided me, showed me right from wrong, and to always strive to push myself to my full potential. They told me to never settle for less. They also constantly encouraged me to do things the right way and to stay calm in how I go about certain situations. Also, I have learned to own up to my mistakes and recognize when I am wrong.
Alvaro Capetilo (aka “Ariana Grande”)
Week 1
Monday July 27, 2026
There could not have been a better way to start a Monday morning than with a friendly dance-off between L-Pod and H-Pod. We just started class, but it is evident that the brotherhood and friendly competition was already beginning. The dance-off set the tone for Darrian P. to bring up and dance with the lectern – we learned that this is a Prison Entrepreneurship Program (PEP) tradition when preparing to welcome in an executive or volunteer. Chaplain Bruce T. then danced down the aisle with great form and energy before jumping into our first Living in the Village lesson. We covered Chapters 1 and 2, first learning what the “worth” of something really means, as well as the difference between being proactive and reactive with our money.
Our next set of speakers were members of the Business Plan Team. Charles L. and David P. broke down our next assignment, which revolves around our Product Service Offering as well as the guidelines to follow. Soon after, we jumped into yet another PEP tradition: fun names! The brotherhood came together in good spirits to have an awesome time as we attempted to break down the tough exteriors we have all formed over the years.
After that, we released for a lunch break and returned refreshed about 45 minutes later to resume class. Next on the docket was an introduction to Toastmasters, presented by Traylon P. and many others. Finally, we finished the day off with the issuance of a few more fun names, ending with a prayer to thank God for this opportunity to gather together and learn how to be better humans. Today was the perfect way to start both the week and the journey here at PEP!
Zachariah A (aka “Tangy Mayonnaise”)
Tuesday July 28, 2026
It was a God blessed Tuesday in PEP that was absolutely overflowing with good energy, fun, inspiring information and brotherly fellowship.
The day kicked off with God’s Word. The Holy Spirit inspired our pray-in and some electric, “raise the floor” dance moves! That was followed by the class sharing our thoughts on a quote about being impatient and intentional with positive, life-changing action in the pursuit of a better future. The resounding theme reflected the fact that the way, the truth and the life is through an all-abundant, living faith in Jesus.
Afterwards, we watched an inspiring and encouraging video about the PEP Family Program. Apparently, the Family Liaison staff, through amazing advocacy efforts, can help PEP men reach out to loved ones and start the step-by-step process of rebuilding bridges that were once thought to be irreparable. We were even given some paperwork to fill out so we can get the ball rolling in a positive, life-changing direction. PEP’s Family Program and benefit certainly sparks hope in the hearts and minds of men who deeply miss their precious loved ones. This is certainly cause to lean harder into the process, press forward and prayerfully strive toward that beautiful day of graceful reconciliation with our loved one’s sweet embrace.
Lastly, after a nice lunch break, we reconvened in the PEP classroom, got creative and had some fun designing our individual “Coat of Arms” projects. We personalized the projects with positive magazine graffiti that was meaningful, and we even added our favorite of PEP’s 10 Driving Values. The finished products were unique and thought-provoking, depicting our PEP trajectory and goal-oriented mindset. It was a worthwhile exercise that gave us a golden opportunity to fellowship and bond with one another as PEP family.
Yes, it was a very God blessed day! Thank you, Lord, for PEP and all that it entails! You are so very good to us. We love you, and we are grateful for your presence in our lives and dwelling in our hearts! All glory to you, Father! Amen.
Brian A (aka “The Homeless Guy from Superbad”)
Wednesday July 29, 2026
Today was a blessed and fun day. We all entered the PEP classroom looking presentable and ready to learn and have fun. The DJ was playing music as everybody found their name badges and seats. As we started class, we first prayed in together – what a brotherhood, and what a spiritual feeling. Next, we took turns going to the back of the room and showing off our dance moves. The music was loud, everybody was clapping along and all I could see were people glowing and smiling. It definitely was a “mood changer.”
After we all danced, we returned to our seats and went over the quote of the day. It was very inspiring, motivating and a definite eye opener. We followed up by volunteering to speak about how we can personally relate to the quote, or what we thought about it. We had extra time before starting class, so we started calling our fellow classmates to the front of the room individually and giving them their fun names. The purpose for having a fun name is to break the individual out of his shell and comfort zone, revealing their true self to us because that is the first step to helping somebody change. Plus, we had the extra fun and laughs out of this person and the audience as well.
After that, we continued with the “Wheel of Doom” for someone who accidently used a curse word. Even though it was accidental, PEP has standards and rules to follow, and if someone breaks the rules then the consequence is usually homework, but since we just started class, we have a grace period for the first two weeks. So, this person got the “Wheel of Doom,” which was not too bad. This is a tactic used to improve a person’s character. We continued and finished the class by learning more of the rules and going over financial literacy terminology we will be learning in the near future. Today was a great, productive and fun day in PEP.
Fouad A (aka “Bumdog Millionare”)
Thursday July 30, 2026
This Thursday started out like any other day at the Prison Entrepreneurship Program, with music and dancing to help wake up, get the blood flowing and our minds working. This was followed by a pray-in and then meeting our new Character Development Specialist, Mike H. Once introductions were made, we got our paperwork to setup family contacts and birthday cards for the kids. Once we finished, we presented our first Toastmasters speech as part of our Competent Communication training to help us improve our public speaking.
The first speech assignment is basically a four- to six-minute professional style speech about ourselves, starting from childhood and our upbringing, leading into what led us to prison and ending with our plans post-PEP graduation. We heard from people with a lot of tragedy, and some with a lot of emotion and hardship. Some of us are similar and some are different, but no matter what led us here, we all seem to have the same ideas and expectations for the end. We all are seeking to improve ourselves and become better fathers and role models when we rejoin our communities, bringing with us the knowledge and skills to better society and avoid ever coming back to prison.
Then we broke for lunch: chicken patty with gravy. We still had to give a few people their fun names, so we all had some fun with that after we finished up the Toastmasters speeches. Upon returning to the dorm after class, we got together in small groups and discussed situational awareness and shared our interpretation of the next of our 10 Driving Values in the PEP handbook, which are integrity and love. That pretty much sums up our day today.
Matthew A (aka “Gandalf”)
Friday July 31, 2026
Today was a fun day. It was full of laughter, but also everyone focused in when it was time to do so. We started the day off with dancing – some danced in groups, and there also were a couple of solo dances. We also gave some of our fellow participants their fun names. The fun names are a great way to get everyone to loosen up and get comfortable while also providing a good way to help us learn each other’s real names. While we are in class, we are required to give our full name as well as our fun name every time we have a question or have a statement that we would like to share. It is a fun way to bond and connect with everyone.
It was a fun time, but when it was time to get serious, everyone locked in and focused. We started to practice our business pitches for the upcoming event next Friday. The pitches are how we learn to sell a business idea and what to say to get investors to invest in our business idea. Everyone did well on their pitch. We learned from each other, and Adam W. gave us a lot of insight on what we could do better on as far as selling business ideas.
We finished out with a pray-out and had only a few more fun names to give out. Then we did another round of dances just for good measure. It was a blessing to be able to learn the things that we’ve learned, and we look forward to more days like it in PEP.
Ethan A (aka “Pinocchio”)
Expressions
“Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher.”
– Oprah Winfrey
After being transferred to the Estes Unit, I was both excited and full of nervousness at the same time. I took in all the nice artwork that decorated the halls as we were being escorted through and even took in the clean smell of the unit itself.
I had been waiting to be transferred to PEP since October of 2025. Yet, as soon as I got here, all the other inmates on the unit, who were not part of this program, were giving off bad vibes about the program from their demeanor and facial expressions to the words they spoke about PEP.
Then the first day of class comes. From the emcees and facilitators to the Peer Educators, everyone who grabbed a mic spoke about the challenges we would be presented with as we delved deeper into this class. Instantly, me being me, I said to myself “challenge accepted,” and I decided to set aside my nervousness.
I firmly believe that God has His plan for each and every one of us. With that being said, I also believe that had I not come to prison, I would not have discovered who it was that God wanted me to be. He truly saved my life by sending me here and then allowing me to gain acceptance into this program. I am so excited to learn everything that PEP has to offer and how to apply it in my life.
I have to show love to my family by getting out and leading by example. I am excited to show my wife and children what a true man, father and husband looks like. I made a promise to myself a couple of years ago that I would only engage in activities and programs that would benefit my growth as a man. This includes those I surround myself with as well.
Thank you PEP for accepting me into this program and for believing in my ability to grow and progress.
Joseph A (aka “Nicole Scherzinger”)