Monday, April 11, 2016
Today was by far the most fun that I’ve had in a long time. It was the Internal Kick-off event for the business portion (also called Phase Two) of the Prison Entrepreneurship Program’s Estes Unit Summer 2016 Class! As soon as we entered the PEP room it was smiles, handshakes and music all around. It was really great to see all of my PEP brothers lighten up and enjoy themselves. We did plenty of chicken dancing, and there was also a lip syncing contest. We also did a “coat of arms,” which is where you get to design yourself as a superhero. All in all it was a great experience, one that I’m sure I will never forget.
Joseph A. (a.k.a. “Tickle me Elmo”)
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
It was yet another golden day in PEP at the Sanders Estes facility. The Internal Kick-off for our summer class, called Elite ’16, went off without a hitch as graduates welcomed the Phase Two participants to their first official day of class. The first part of the day was filled with a friendly chicken dance competition where Mario G., Kyle C. and Kyle F. got their shine on. At the end of the day, the title went to the defending champion, none other than First 15’s own Alfredo D.
The latter part of the kick-off was a lip syncing competition where once again, the two Kyles let it all hang out in an all-out show I’m sure that none of us will soon forget. A clear winner is still to be determined, but they did pull out all the stops with their performances. We wrapped up the Summer 16 Kick-Off in Superhero style as we sat down in groups to complete our coat of arms. All I can say is, it’s good that they broke out the glitter after the lip sync competition! All in all it was another beautiful day in the PEP. Assalamu ‘Alaikum!
Joshua A. (a.k.a. “Sweet Baby John Paul Fletcher”)
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
Today Toastmasters began, and a few people came back from the early morning class saying it was stressful. Nobody appeared to be nervous as they prepared to give their speech. There is a little bit of confusion about what everybody is supposed to do for their jobs in Toastmasters. The process of introductions was slow because everybody was learning their lines. As we started to get in the flow of things, speeches were coming out pretty clearly – not bad for the first day, though there is room for improvement. I thought everybody did surprisingly well with their speeches. The Servant Leaders praised the class for the good job we did. Everybody left today with a lot more confidence. I can only imagine that things will get better as we move forward.
John A. (a.k.a. “Sweet Scarecrow”)
Thursday, April 21, 2016
Today’s test was crucial … talk about keeping us on our toes. Some of us passed, and others of us did not. For those who did not – including me – we had multiple copies of homework to do. Unfortunately, I received six copies of homework. That means that I stayed up all night until 5 a.m. trying to finish: 21 hours straight, but still I wasn’t done. It was not until Saturday at 4:30 p.m. that I finally finished. It was taxing but I accomplished my mission. It took a lot of patience, but patience brings everything. At the end of the day, at least I could hold my head up high for accomplishing my mission without being tempted to cheat. I’m proud of myself for having this new mindset. Like we say around here, I’m keeping 100%, which means I am not being fake.
Michael A. (a.k.a. “Sweet Meathead Pack”)
Expressions
I, Amando Julian Perez, have been in the Prison Entrepreneurship Program (PEP) for about four months. My experience here has been positive. Going through Phase One in the program has opened my eyes to understand more about myself and learn why I did certain things, but most importantly PEP helped me realize that I can be much more.
Two of the most vital factors in helping a man change is the environment he is in and those he interacts with – his support group. Here in PEP I am surrounded by change and men on a change-journey, men I consider my other family and are my support group outside my blood family. I couldn’t ask for anything more.
Amando P. (a.k.a. “Sweet Fez”)