Week 1

Week 1

Week in Review

Wednesday January 2, 2019

We started class today, hand in hand, in prayer. Then Brian T. (a.k.a. “Cruella de Vil”) danced from the back of the room while a Fleetwood Mac song was playing. That made us all laugh.

Brian T. gave us a lecture on Basic Business using a PowerPoint presentation. Then we were informed we needed to study hard because we will be having a test on Basic Business next week. We also heard from some Servant-Leaders and Peer Educators on what’s expected of us in Phase Two. Lastly, we heard from the graphics team about how to prepare our business brochures properly, as well as how to draw our business logos.

To cap it all off, King Al M. (a.k.a. “Granny Panties”) told us all to dance as a class. We all laughed and had a really good time. PEP is truly a bright spot in what can be a really dark place.

This was our introduction to the business portion of PEP.

Clayton A. (a.k.a. “Mr. Mackey”)

Thursday  January 3, 2019

Now that we have started the second phase of PEP, we are finally getting our feet wet learning how to develop a business plan. Brian T. (a.k.a. “Cruella de Vil”) gave us a lecture on “Basic Business” plans yesterday. Gap analysis showed us the realistic chance of starting certain businesses. It gave us insight on aspects of business planning that we had never thought about.

We all share common ground with Brian T. He sat in the same chairs we are sitting in. He is an inspiration to us all. We can be successful businessmen after incarceration. Thank you PEP for giving us all a second chance in life.

Rahed A. (a.k.a. “Chewy”)

Friday January 4, 2019

Happy New Year, Spring ’19! We are excited about officially starting the second phase (business portion) of PEP. The last three months we have been learning about ourselves, how to identify our flaws and shortcomings and what we are good at. Now it is time to put all of that together and learn how to be the best, most authentic businessmen we can be. 

We are quickly realizing that PEP is a never-ending cycle of growth, maturity, learning and wisdom. It is going to be a hard road but, as we know, one can become content and comfortable in the most destitute places. It takes a bit of discomfort to rise above the status quo. 

Derrick A.  (a.k.a. “Tommy”)

Expressions

“The devil whispers, ‘You can’t withstand the storm,’
and the warrior replies, ‘I am the storm.’”

~ Unknown

You have to make yourself a formidable stronghold when it comes to changing, because if you’ve always been a general for the devil’s army but decide to switch sides, then you’ll have all of hell against you. You can’t expect the devil to give you up that easy. The devil will allow you to live prosperously and get away with so much. You were on his side, but when you choose to live right, you will be faced with opposition. However, always remember that God will never allow you to face more than you can handle, and His grace will see you through whatever comes your way. Spring ‘19, you have made a conscious decision to change your life, so make sure never to come quietly into the night when dealing with the trials you face.

Michael G. (a.k.a. “Baby Simba”)