Week 12

Week 12

Week in Review

Monday March 18, 2019

We had an awesome time in Toastmasters today. The session was an excellent example of competency and communication. We covered a wide variety of topics, and we all delivered our speeches in a precise and timely manner. Afterwards, each brother was given an honest and encouraging assessment of the speech.

The topic of the day was, “What do we expect to happen at graduation?” Each person had different expectations for their graduation experience. The word of the day was “fact,” and as a matter of fact,we are all looking forward to graduation! What a beautiful day it will be for us as we walk across that stage in the presence of facilitators, staff, executives and family. We are all working very hard in anticipation of that day.

Bobby J. (a.k.a. “Mrs. Butterworth”)

Tuesday March 19, 2019

Today started off really good and got even better as the day progressed. The positivity throughout our class is contagious; not just in the classroom, but in the Pods (dorms) as well. We have been encouraging one another, each and every day, whether the person is struggling with homework, or just feeling a little overwhelmed.

As this process unfolds, it is awesome to see the frustration disappear and transition into laughing. We are the Conquerors of Spring ’19, and we are dedicated to one another. This is not something that will cease once we graduate either. It is a tradition that we will continue upon release.

We also practiced reciting our pitches to one another on the Pods and had a very enjoyable time doing it. We are living up to PEP’s 10 Driving Values to the best of our ability, especially the Driving Value called “Fresh-Start Outlook.” And that is what many of us needed: a true fresh start!

Silvano R. (a.k.a. “Yogi Bear”)

Wednesday March 20, 2019

Today started off better than many of us expected. We were called down to the PEP classroom, unexpectedly, to pray out two of our brothers who were blessed with parole. When doing pray-outs, we gather together to give encouraging messages and advice, through video, for our brothers who are going home. They will be able to view this video once they are released.

In the afternoon, we attended our Entrepreneurship class with Mr. Brian T. (a.k.a. Cruella de Vil). Each of us have received so much from this program. Every day, we are reminded why we accepted the opportunity to be a part of PEP. We are excited by the prospect of learning how to properly start and operate a successful business. Brian T. provides a wealth of knowledge and experience for us to absorb.

He also likes to surprise us with pop quizzes, and that is precisely what he did today. That doesn’t worry the Conquerors of Spring ’19 though. We have taken to heart what Greg P. (a.k.a. Flower) told us at the start of this journey, “You have to stay ready to keep from getting ready.”          

Abel V. (a.k.a. “Pootie Tang”)

Thursday March 21, 2019

On a day such as today, we usually have time to catch up on assignments while the Fall ’19 Class attends Leadership Academy. However, at 7:30 a.m., we were told to report to the PEP classroom. This was an unexpected event and a direct reminder that in life we must always be prepared; eventually, someone will “move your cheese.”

Once everyone arrived, we were informed that we would be receiving an additional assignment. Our character development director, Greg P. (a.k.a. Flower) announced to the class that we would be required to handwrite a copy of the AP Stylebook, Business Vocabulary, and Personal Finance sections of our Study Guide. This was a heavy blow to be dealt, but we are the Conquerors of Spring ’19, and no challenge is too great for us to overcome.

Upon returning back to our Pods, we immediately went to work on our new assignment. This assignment was a sobering reminder of two of our 10 Driving Values: Integrity and Accountability. Each of us should employ integrity when it comes to accepting responsibility for not only our own actions, but also the actions of our fellow brothers. It also encouraged us to hold one another accountable for the actions that we exhibit in the future. This exercise will help us to become more effective as we complete this program and prepare to return to our families. Tomorrow will present its own unique set of obstacles and challenges. In this, as with everything else, the Conquerors of Spring ’19 will continue to pursue Excellence and Execution.

                                      Zaur P. (a.k.a. “Little Shop of Horrors”)

Friday March 22, 2019

Wow, today was a full and eventful day! Our day started bright and early at 7 a.m. We had a long night completing all of the homework we were assigned. Still, each of us was ready to face this new day with a positive attitude. In our Living in the Village class, we took a test on Chapters 8-11. Afterwards, we discussed Chapter 12 in preparation for a test next week.

At 8 a.m., Executive Volunteers Dave and Steve came to the unit to teach us all about Integrity Selling. Everyone was very attentive to what they had to say. We learned how to approach and converse with potential clients. The material will help us to sell ourselves and the service or product that we will be offering once we are released.

They had us participate in exercises using the Six-Step selling system. We each took turns standing in front of the class and demonstrating how to properly complete all the steps: Approach, Interview, Demonstrate, Validate, Negotiate and Close a deal. It was a really fun day, one that we will remember for years to come. Thanks PEP!

Colby M. (a.k.a. “Swagger Wagon”)

Expressions

“What the inner voice says will not disappoint the hoping soul.”

~ Friedrich Schiller

Often referred to as our conscience, our inner voice bears witness to the true us. Every action we are involved in and every choice we make is guided by this voice of reason, founded within our innate understanding of what is justifiable and built around the concept of fairness, moral law and ethical behavior. So, as we contemplate our next course of action, let us heed that faint voice of wisdom lest we fall victim to regrets and condemnation. Let us walk away from the worldly acts of wickedness and into the loving arms of morality.

Dalton D. (a.k.a. “Sweet and Low”)