Week 12

Week in Review

Monday March 27, 2017

We enjoyed a great weekend here at the Cleveland Unit. The weather has been absolutely beautiful, and the extra hour of daylight we have gained by “springing forward” has afforded us the opportunity to get softball season in full swing. In addition, the health and wellness crew (a.k.a. The Wolf Pack) held a CrossFit competition on Sunday evening.

We are all growing a lot closer, and it is so beautiful. Most of us haven’t experienced this much love and happiness since we came to prison. We’re learning what a brotherhood truly is, and it’s awesome. We have all transformed so much over the last six months.

The most important thing happening this week is that the next PEP class is about to start Leadership Academy. We are all excited to be able to help our new brothers grow in the same way we have and are now super eager to be servant leaders. To top it off, this Friday the new class, Fall ’17, is going to have their Kickoff Event.

Michael M. (a.k.a. M&M)

Tuesday March 28, 2017

Finally! Today is the day we’ve been waiting for: the next Leadership Academy has begun. With great anticipation and sheer excitement we embraced the challenge and expanded our fraternity. We’ve literally danced into a new and great quest for authentic manhood. We greatly appreciate the PEP staff of Pat M., Mike P., Alfredo M., Al M., Keith F. and Monte P. for welcoming us. We’re embarking on a journey that will help us find a guide for balance and a vision for life.

The highlight of our time together was that we were given the opportunity to serve. Our men’s group encouraged transparency with one another. It was a wonderful time together. We noticed walls that had been erected due to cultural differences, and then the walls of past pains being torn down right before our eyes.

All the servant-leaders set the example by serving and contributing in positive and helpful ways. We are ready for this leadership journey. We’re truly excited about the opportunity we have been given and how all of us can give back.

Jason C. (Initiatives Team)

Wednesday March 29, 2017

As “The Kings of Spring ‘17” come closer to wrapping up Bert’s class, we are focusing on our pitches for our business plans. We have so many awesome ideas, and we are all encouraging each other to give it our best. The work load is very demanding at this point, so times like the one we are currently facing is when our brotherhood comes in handy.

Throughout this journey some of us have fallen victim to homework, some of us falling victim multiple times; either way we aren’t going to let that stop us from succeeding. Sometimes the workload is too difficult and people quit, but they will always be in our hearts. We are learning that bonds made in adversity are always the strongest.

The hard work, dedication and commitment that we are putting into this curriculum and our lives speaks volumes of the men we are becoming. As a whole, we are helping each other stay focused and disciplined in order to blossom into the best “us” we have ever known. We are together as one and will always be brothers.

Martin D. (a.k.a. Brown Sugar)

Thursday March 30, 2017

Today was a good day. We had the opportunity to facilitate Leadership Academy and witness how enthusiastic some of the Fall ’17 guys were, all while giving each other sweet names. We were extremely uptight in the beginning of our journey, partially due to certain things we were told by several individuals and being bombarded with the rules and regulations of the program. These guys, on the other hand, came out swinging and immediately embraced the PEP culture. No lie, their entire class is filled with such positive energy that it’ll send chills down your spine. It is safe to say that some of my class might be just a little jealous.

While taking this opportunity to facilitate this class through Leadership Academy, along with several of my brothers, it is our responsibility to ensure that we make their experience ten times greater than our own. We are leaders here to serve with purpose, driven by love, down the road to a fresh start.

Jeremi R. (a.k.a. Lisa Left Eye)

Friday March 31, 2017

After graduating and being servant leaders, graduates of Famous Fall ’16 were given the opportunity to serve in Fall ‘17s First Day Kickoff Event with them. It was a tremendous experience for all of us, because a year ago we were in their seats.

As all of the graduates and executives prepared for the new class at the entrance of the gym, and the love in the air was nearly tangible. We embraced Fall ’17 with open arms and open hearts. It was an amazing moment to watch smiles light up on all their faces as we shouted words of encouragement with a line of “high fives.”

Ten of the new graduates were asked to speak about one of the 10 Driving Values during the event, and all of them expressed their devotion to each value. We each promised the new class that we were going to be with them throughout their journey and that if we could do it, then they could do it even better. God speed to Fall ’17 – we love you, our new PEP brothers!

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

Expressions

 “A pessimist complains about the wind; an optimist hopes for it to change; and a leader adjusts the sails.”

~Unknown

From birth we are a moment closer to dying, and that’s a difficult truth for people to accept. However, it’s a truth that should not be cast aside, because our duration on earth is so short, making time our most priceless asset. You don’t want to be at the end of your life and wonder, “What if … ?” You have to learn to always move forward, especially when adversity comes your way. Tough days will come, trials and tribulations will arise, but it’s what you choose to do about them that defines who you will be tomorrow.

I challenge all of you to fight the good fight, and I dare you to embrace every opportunity to better yourself. Remember, you only grow through adversity, so make the most of every situation.

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