Week 13
Week in Review
Tuesday December 27, 2016
Today I started my day by waiting for Phase One (character portion of the program) to be called out so I could help them with things like checking their assignments and making sure they were completed. After that, I finished watching the Robert Lewis video called the Quest for Authentic Manhood and we broke into groups to discuss what we learned. Then I watched my peers give a presentation on the importance of leaving a eulogy, followed by going over one of PEP’s 10 Driving Values, called having a “Fresh Start” Outlook. Finally it was time for a few Phase One brothers to get roasted by getting a PEP “sweet name” (nicknames) before we went to lunch. After lunch we went back to the PEP room and gave out a couple of more sweet names before their class was over.
I stayed in the PEP room to set up the chairs for our Phase Two class and waited for Brian T. to call out the rest of us out. As soon as everyone started entering we turned in our homework assignment on Marketing Strategy. That was our last assignment for our business plans. We got prayed in and got count time out the way before getting tested on Microsoft Word hot keys. Once all the tests were collected, we had a presentation on Chapters 12 and 13 of Living in the Village. Brian T. elaborated over the chapters, giving details and examples. After that we prayed out and that was it for the day.
Pete R. (a.k.a. Sweet Jennifer Fonda)
Wednesday December 28, 2016
Today the majority of us are relaxing and studying for Thursday’s test, while others are finally getting the chance to get back into the computer lab to do much-needed research for our upcoming pitch and catch up on some assignments as well. When we initially entered the PEP program I can confidently state that none of us were prepared for such a life-altering experience, especially while being incarcerated in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. At some point in time everyone here was involved in some sort of negative behavior before arriving here. I personally am thankful for the opportunity to become part of the PEP family. We all had a choice to make, and sadly for some of us the choices weren’t to make a positive change. It’s been almost seven months. The class of Extreme ‘17 has been a total blessing for each of us, and we have consciously made a commitment to the program, just as it has to us. So much has happened since we began our journey, and we have each learned so much about business that when you look around, all you see is entrepreneurs ready to make a difference in our lives.
Sadly however, we are going to be losing a brother that we have all built a strong brotherly bond and relationship with. He is someone you could confidently go to if you ever needed to talk about anything; regardless if it was personal or about business, he listened and always seemed to have an answer. Brian T., we are going to miss you beyond what words could ever define.
Now that a new phase has begun, we have the chance to be reminded of how it was for some of us in the beginning, and it’s been a humbling experience with all of the different demeanors. Looking back at how much we have all honestly changed is amazing, not only for us but for our families as well. We are grateful to hear of and see our brothers doing well once they are released, and we will keep them each in our prayers, for we know God has a plan for us all and it’s in His hands … all we have to do is let go and let God!
Calvin R. (a.k.a. Sweet Cobra Neck)
Thursday December 29, 2016
Well fellow Extreme ‘17 brothers, it seems like the eye of the storm has passed us by. Only the strong have made it this far. It has been an amazing journey from our Kickoff event until now. I have met some brilliant men and heard some awesome business plans. Many of us came into this program blind, not knowing what we were getting into. Phase One made it seem like a walk in the park.
Then came Phase Two. Who would have known how much dedication and sacrifice would be needed to make it this far? Just today on the recreation yard (which I haven’t been to on a regular basis since starting Phase Two), a fellow brother told me he had missed going to recreation. I told him I felt the same way, but now we have a little breathing room to take advantage of it.
It has been a challenge for some of us. Due to my past choices it felt as if I had Teflon on my brain – nothing would stick. However, I managed to make it this far. Others have made it look simple. Then there are the “determined with a ‘no quit’ attitude” men who managed to get through doing homework when they didn’t pass several exams and stuck with the program. These men have my respect – great job!
Brian T. has left us to pursue his new career, which I understand is a great opportunity. Gentlemen, he is one of us; if he and other Servant-Leaders have been successful after a mistake and overcame it, there is absolutely no reason why we are not capable of achieving our own goals in life. Let’s make it through graduation, give back and support each other. Let’s make it back to our families and our kids and be better fathers, husbands or whatever you have to own up to. We are prime examples of “what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger.” Love you brothers – happy New Year and may God bless you.
Adrian R. (a.k.a. Jalapeno Pepper)
Expressions
Gratitude is the first word that comes to mind when I think about the Prison Entrepreneurship Program. From Day One I felt that there was something positive and different about the program, but I didn’t know what it was. It wasn’t until our Phase One Kickoff event and hearing all the executive volunteers and PEP staff show all their love, support and encouragement that I knew I was hooked.
I cannot even begin to explain how privileged I felt being part of such a transforming force, a revolution, the way of life that PEP is. Before I got into the program I thought I had it all figured out. I thought I would just learn how to become a legit entrepreneur and I would be good to go. However, I have learned that this is nowhere near the case. I learned about myself and how I didn’t have it all figured out. I figured out that the exterior part of me might look good – a college degree, HVAC, Landscape Design, trades, numerous educational courses completed and great skills in roofing, hair styling, writing music, and drawing – but on the inside I still had issues and bad things dating back to my childhood. PEP not only focuses on business but it also focuses on positive character development and transformation from the old self to a renewed moral, ethical and upstanding person.
I am more at peace with God, and I thank Him for each day He allows me to see and for all the love and support from my friends and both my families – my real family and my PEP family. Having God and the support of loved ones is so critical for men and women getting out of prison. Without God as the foundation and the pillars of support from loved ones, we stand so vulnerable and highly susceptible to fall and come back to prison, unlikely to achieve any kind of success in life. Humble yourselves, men and women, and know that tomorrow is not promised to any of us. PEP’s mission statement is: “We are Servant-Leaders on a mission to transform inmates and executives by unlocking human potential through entrepreneurial passion, education and mentoring.” Once again, I am full to the brim of gratitude and love for my family who has stuck my side all those years, as well as to my new PEP family. Thank you, and God bless you.
Luis S. (a.k.a. Biker Babe)