Week 19
Week in Review
Monday August 14, 2017
Today I woke up and saw it was raining. I really felt like it was going to be one of those lazy days. However, when I heard we were going to be doing our “Coat of Arms” assignment and t-shirts for the teddy bears, I was reminded how far we have come and that we are only one month away from graduation and seeing our loved ones.
At 8:05a.m. I was on my way to PEP. As soon as I got there I was looking for a table that was not under the vent because it was cold. It turns out that my PEP brothers Rodric H., Carl F., Reginald L, and Christopher Z. were doing the same thing. So I had the pleasure to sit with them decorating the t-shirt and Coat of Arms. When we got the t-shirts we all looked dumbfounded. We looked at each other like, “how do we do this?” Thanks to my brother Reginald L., who was the brave one to start on his. That’s how we figured it out.
It was a great day. We all had fun making the bears’ t-shirts for our loved ones. We laughed together, took pictures together, and most importantly we all came together as one big family that we are. After nine whole months of hard work, I would say that today was about having fun. Work is an important part of life and it should be fun and rewarding. Thank you PEP for transforming us into successful individuals.
Ricardo G. (a.k.a. Jack-O-Lantern)
August 15, 2017
As we entered our class today we were greeted by Linda and Carl T. Linda T. was going to give a presentation entitled “Color Nation” on proper business attire.
We have a tradition of praying in after we start any class. Today it was one of our PEP brothers, and as we all stood Randy prayed. So as Linda T. started on the topic of colors and color coordination, she asked many of us in class what our favorite color was – I told her emerald green.
Then she started explaining how our shoes must match our belt and not to wear loud and bright colors – it’s just not good and makes a bad statement. She gave us general tie tips, like the size of tie needs to greet the middle of your belt buckle. She also gave us a good book that we all should read, called Dressing the Man. Mastering the art of permanent fashion, it will also help us master business fashion.
We moved on to suits and were told that we must button only one button when not sitting, and then we started looking at different parts of a suit. Then she explained how in each generation – traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials/Generation Y and Generation Z – different events happened that changed the world. First was World War II rationing, then came the Baby Boomers; hippies became yuppies who became workaholics; Generation X kids were at home alone while parents multitasked; Millennials/Generation Y, with the events of 9/11, sees parents as best friends; and Generation Z’s global events have helped parents become “helicopter parents” … but then after she described all these generational events and differences, she went back to her generation.
In conclusion we all must work to together, no matter what, because we can all learn from each other in any experience. We enjoyed the presentation and were surprised at the way colors play in today’s world. Over the years things have changed, but colors will always remain.
Stephen G. (a.k.a. Shrek)
Wednesday August 16, 2017
This morning, God allowed me to wake up to another chance at life. When I examined the way I was thinking and feeling, I quickly realized that God has also allowed PEP to be a part of my life so that I could become a better man. It’s like God is giving me two chances at life every day: through the physical of course, but also through the enlightening that this program has to offer every day.
I would normally have a computer class today, but guess what? I’ve already completed my computer class too. That is another completion in my life. People don’t realize how much this program builds you up. I never would have taken the chance on learning this stuff in the free world. I always thought I was not smart enough to do it. PEP has taught us that it’s not hard at all. It is a lot at times, but it is doable. In fact, we only have two tests and a pitch competition left to do, and then we graduate. I really cannot believe it sometimes. It just shows us that once we get out, if there is something we wish to accomplish, the only thing that we have to do is put our minds to it, staying focused and driven. It is crazy, because I am 40 years old and I’m about to graduate from this program, and I think my family is more excited than I am – maybe because it represents change, maybe because they are already seeing a difference in me. But I really think they believe that God is giving us another chance at life.
I have some vocabulary words that are begging for my attention. So I’m signing off. “Can’t stop – won’t stop!”
Rodrick HH. (a.k.a. Queen Latifa)
Thursday August 17, 2017
Starting the day off early, I went to the PEP room to facilitate for the Winter 2018 class. I actually like working in their class because they have a lot of creativity, and it is a chance for my brothers and me to give back to the program that has helped us. We always get a good laugh just seeing David W. (head facilitator) facilitate the class. My favorite part of the day is when I get to pass the microphone around during the lecture that my classmates present over our character buckets. We did catch some guys not paying attention which was hilarious it helps them to pay attention.
As for the class of Pristine ’17, we are headed toward the finish line. Today we worked on our Coats of Arms (a superhero body with our heads on top, which we’re making for our families at graduation). These memories cannot be taken from us, especially while we strive to be better men for the future. For me, I have two countdowns: one for graduation, and the other for when I go home in early October. It is the end of the beginning for us … speaking of which, John F. (peer-educator) and Johnathan D. (Character Development Specialist) are departing from the Estes Unit. They both played a big role in building the Prison Entrepreneur Program on the Estes Unit. Our class is under 50 people now, but we did welcome one of our brothers back. It was good to see Vincent H., who will be here for our graduation. Rest in peace Angel H. We miss you!
Rodric H. (a.k.a. Geico Lizard)
Expressions
The quote that I like the most and use every day is, “Don’t burn a bridge you might have to go across.”
I learned early in life this quote applies to everything. No matter what you do, you will be dealing with people, and the impression you leave them with has everlasting effects. The entire time I have been incarcerated, I have met people I’ve had the privilege of seeing years later. If the impressions I left them with had been a bad, when we met again that would be a difficult situation, or at least would have been uncomfortable. Since I live by this quote, I have the pleasure of knowing many people with bridges that remain intact to this day.
As inmates, we already have a “mark” on us because of past mistakes. When we finally have the privilege of leaving prison, we will need gainful employment. If we concern ourselves with how to survive outside, we will not burn the employment bridges inside prison. The work experience does count for future jobs, and your interactions with those supervisors can either help you or hurt you. I consistently have developed and maintained good work habits and behaviors. I can go back to any previous employment position and receive positive affirmation. This is possible because I have never burned a bridge that I might have to go back across.
This quote has been a staple in my life, and when I am released I will continue to live by it in every aspect of my life including personal, professional and social.
Gerald H. (a.k.a. Farmer Jane)