Bell Fall 2025 Weekly Journals

Monday                                                                                                      June 16, 2025

     It was a great and exciting day for us here in the Prison Entrepreneurship Program. We started off by praying together as brothers, and we took time to “show some love” to one another by greeting ourselves with handshakes, fist bumps, and hugs. Afterwards, we “turned up” our class MCs by clapping along to some positive music as they danced down the aisle. This shows us how to get out of the shells that we have developed over the years and to have fun in a different environment than we are used to. We then got down to business and went over an introduction for creating a business plan and names for the various ideas we generated. We were also given the opportunity to request market research and were given examples of what kind of information we should be seeking. A few servant-leaders took it upon themselves to show us their versions of their “elevator pitches,” which are quick business ideas and gave us some solid advice on how to write our own. Before closing the day by praying out, we got to sing happy birthday for a few of our brothers in our own PEP version of the song. The experience was one of unity and love!

Johnny C. – AKA “Sopapilla [Panchos]”

Tuesday                                                                                                      June 17, 2025

     Today was a wonderful day here at the Prison Entrepreneurship Program! We worked on what is called a “coat-of arms” where we got to put our pictures on construction paper and decorate the surrounding area with things that portray a little of ourselves and our personalities. Next, we got to practice our “elevator pitches,” which are quick business ideas in front of the class to get them condensed into a minute. Our first event will be on June 27th, which will determine who gets to become a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the teams that will be assigned to those who won the positions. For those who spoke Spanish as a first language, we were taken aside and helped to better understand how to proceed and were given advice on how to overcome this barrier. This process helps us to become more confident public speakers in a fun and enjoyable way and to help us become influential leaders in life and our businesses. We are grateful for the opportunity granted to us by PEP. It has given us a new perspective on life and a chance to become better men. Lastly, we prayed out for the day and for strength to progress.

Leart A. – AKA “Mr. Clean”

Wednesday                                                                                                June 18, 2025

        Before beginning the class, we did a routine prayer for the brothers and staff. It reminds us daily that we are in this together and no longer alone. Afterwards, we “turned up” our class MCs and clapped as they danced to some upbeat music. A couple of the servant-leaders then spoke about the program and what is expected of us as far as conduct and effort. They encouraged us to push through and seek a better way of life through the change offered to us. Information was provided on the program curriculum, and we received tips on how to execute the work that will lie ahead. The support shown has given us a real sense of brotherhood and the love that is created for one another. Next, we worked on our boards/coat of arms and our business pitches in front of the class. Feedback was given on how we could improve and how body language can add to the overall presentation. There was a huge sense of gratitude for the confidence that we are building. Our servant leaders were there to guide us along the journey. We ended the day with a prayer for wisdom and confidence to strive for and achieve our dreams.

Joe A. – AKA “Licorice Stick”

Thursday                                                                                                    June 19, 2025

     Today in the first half of class we started by praying in and “showing love” to our brothers. This is where we walk around and introduce ourselves to our classmates. It allows us to get acquainted with one another and create trust. Our instructors then came in and began to give us an introduction to what business looks like from the inside out. The way they spoke to us gave us the sense of a real brotherhood and not just another class to push participants through. There was a connection and support in helping us understand the material being taught to us. It gave us not only hope for a second chance in life, but for a successful future in ways we could only imagen before. In the second half, we continued to work on our business pitches for the “Big Idea” Event next Friday. The excitement that we feel cannot be put into words. The opportunity being offered to us is a blessing and not available to everyone. After we all had a chance to do our pitches to the class we were told that our first day of “Toastmasters” would be tomorrow and were given a crash course of how it will be run. This course will be focused on helping us with public speaking and presenting speeches. We were given examples of icebreaker speeches from the servant-leaders and  then we prayed out for the day.

Juan A. – AKA “Pancake

Friday                                                                                                          June 20, 2025

     We started the day by praying in and began our first day of “Toastmasters.” This is a course where we learn to improve our public speaking and how to properly present a speech. The format was given to us, and we were instructed on what our first speech will be about. Each participant was given the opportunity to give an “icebreaker” speech where we spoke about who we are and how we came to be here at the Prison Entrepreneurship Program. This provided us with a greater view of who our brothers are and moved us further from the classmate mindset and closer to a brotherhood. Next, the in-prison management gave us a little of his background and how he had to overcome some struggles to achieve success in his life. It was a highly motivating story for us and helped us to see the strength that lies within us all. It was amazing how everyone showed one another respect as each person spoke about their lives and shared with the class about their personal struggles and past mistakes. The stories were captivating and showed us the person beneath each surface. We ended the day by praying out for our brothers and wishing everyone a wonderful day.

Juan A.

Expressions

    “In order to have what you really want; you must first be who you really are.”

-Tim Grover

     I believe one of my biggest problems throughout my life was my need to be who everyone else wanted me to be. Through my journey in the Prison Entrepreneurship Program I have learned how not to try and fit in so much that it changed who I am. PEP has shown me how to become my authentic self and by doing this I have begun to receive the results that I have always wanted out of my life. This quote reminds me daily to remain true to myself in every circumstance. The result will be that I will always have contentment in my life because I will not be living a lie.

Dalton B. – AKA “French Vanilla”