Week 14

Week in Review

Monday April 10, 2017

Today it’s the start of another week, and it began with Toastmasters. Most of us are on our 10^th speech, but for those who still have their seventh, eighth, and ninth speeches to go, I encourage you to push through them. Just know that the end is right around the corner.

After Toastmasters we came back to take the Living in the Village test and went over the last three chapters of the book. We also had two pray outs for our brothers going home. We will miss them dearly, but as we all know, all good things must come to an end. We wish them nothing but he best.

After the test we got a chance to see where we stand in the class. Our GPA’s were given along with our test averages and where we rank in the class. Brothers, we are almost across the finish line, so keep pushing yourselves and remember: this is just the beginning of a new journey in our lives.

William E. (a.k.a. Elmo)

Tuesday April 11, 2017

Today was another successful day for the “Kings of Spring ’17.” We are given the privilege once a week to go to the computer lab to do some lessons so everyone will be up to date on their computer skills. We are being taught how to work with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Not only are we being educated on how to work certain programs, we are also given the opportunity to do some market research so that our business pitches are nothing short of perfect. We also communicate with our business plan advisors while we are in the computer lab. The advisors have helped each and every one of us with everything from pricing to our competitors.

We as a class are extremely thankful for all of the tools that are available to us. Without the help of our executives, none of this would be possible. Needless to say there are several of us that absolutely cannot wait to get into the computer lab to get started and today was that day, so thank you PEP for this new start on life.

Darrell M. (a.k.a. Peter Pan)

Wednesday April 12, 2017

Today was the last class with Bert S. On behalf Of the Kings of Spring ’17, we would like to thank Bert for his commitment to PEP, helping to transform men’s lives one class at a time. It’s been a tough battle, but the men have hung in there despite all the work that they have faced – good job, men!

Graduation is getting closer as the days go by; families are getting ready to come see their loved one walk the stage; for some of these men, it will be their first time walking the stage in cap and gown. Let’s tip our hats to these men for the hard work and dedication they have displayed through these nine months of class. You brothers have earned it!

We have learned that life is not as easy as it looks. Dedication and commitment are the keys to success, and that’s what we have seen during the past nine months from our brothers even when the going got tough; you men have stuck it out and overcome any barriers that were put in front of you. Thank you for your commitment and see you at graduation.

Joe A. (a.k.a. Tabasco)

Thursday April 13, 2017

April has definitely come faster than we expected it to. At the beginning of the program, graduation seemed like eternity away. As we progress toward the finish line, we cannot deny that it hasn’t been as easy as some of us thought it would be. The most important thing is The Kings of Spring ‘17 have begun to understand the true meaning of brotherhood.

Above all, we have learned the importance of the 10 Driving Values. We know they provide the foundation to a successful lifestyle and we embrace them. Of course the transformation didn’t happen overnight, but one we have fought for over the past eight months.

This behavior battle has transformed men, established purposes and defined the true meaning of what it means to be “authentic men.” It has been a privilege to be a part of this revolution, and it will be an honor to serve as more PEP brothers arrive to start their journeys. As for now it is our time, our turn to step up and walk like the Kings we are.

Andrew M. (a.k.a. Kung Fu Brother)

Friday April 14, 2017

The Kings of Spring ’17 spent this wonderful Friday gathering their thoughts and recharging for next week. After a long week of classes, Fridays are our free days. Our days as a class are coming to a close, while our lifetime brotherhood is only beginning.

As you walk through all of the PEP dorms, one conclusion is evident: there are groups of brothers studying. People are already reciting their pitches as they pace the dayroom, and some are making final touches on their business plans. The tension of juggling three classes at once has receded, as now there’s only one to go.

The new class was also called out today to receive their MBTI scores, when all of PEP was informed of Pat M.’s son passing away. We know this is definitely a hard time for Pat and his family, yet he was strong enough to still show up to class. All of our prayers go out to Pat, and we thank you for everything you do for our brotherhood.

Michael G. (a.k.a. Baby Simba)

Expressions

 “Those who dance are thought to be quite insane by those who can’t hear the music.”

~Unknown

Sometimes what motivates us is not so easily understood. There are people who have a purpose much bigger than themselves; people who are fueled by something that you may not catch at first glance. Smiling in a moment that should bring frustration is easy when you are thinking about more than that moment or, better yet, more than yourself. Once we understand what makes us want to dance, then we must build up the courage to do so. If you can’t hear the music that’s okay – it’s always playing. All you have to do is be brave enough to dance, and when the time is right you’ll hear it. Oh yeah, and don’t forget to be patient with those who are a little off-beat, because remember, they don’t know what you’re listening to.

Joshua S. (a.k.a. Waldo)