Week 15

Week in Review

Monday April 17, 2017

Mondays are one of the best days of the week, because it starts early and before you know it the day is over. All accountability leaders got called out around 7 a.m. for our bi-weekly meetings. All is well among the pods and the brothers, from what was said, are ready to give to the next class and help them out in every area that may be needed. All of us want to achieve all of what this program has to offer.

After our productive meeting some of us had computer lab, which allowed us to see some of the things our business plan advisors sent us, while others were finishing up Microsoft Office lessons. Either way we had work to do that kept us busy throughout the morning before we attended Toastmasters. To me, Toastmasters may be the best part of our Mondays because we get to have fun, but at the same time it’s serious. We have all become better speakers by being consistent and diligent.

Wednesday we will take our final test in Bert S.’s class and take our first Crime and Punishment test. This means we will have only two more sets of tests before all of our testing is complete, which leaves us to focus exclusively on our business pitches. As of right now the majority of our class is ready, but we believe that when the day comes, every King of Spring ‘17 will prevail. Congratulations to all who have fought this battle and have not given up; let’s push through because this is only the beginning.

Donald M. (a.k.a. Jerome)

Tuesday April 18, 2017

Things have been super-intense for the Kings of Spring ‘17 for a while now. Our plates have been full! Tomorrow we test over Chapter 14 in Bert S.’s class, the final chapter in the entrepreneurship book. Congratulations!

The finish line is in view, but we still have a ways to go. Over 160 of us started this journey together in Men’s Life and Leadership Academy; with six weeks to graduation, just over 80 men remain. Strong, battle-tested kings, we are men who chose not to be passive, but to live by our Ten Driving Values.

Today several of the Spring ‘17 brothers spent the day with the new group of PEP brothers, volunteering their time to lead small groups in Men’s Life and assisting the new guys as they get accustomed to our PEP culture. Great job guys! Continue to pour life into our brothers.

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

Wednesday April 19, 2017

Spirits were soaring for the Kings of Spring ’17 today as we completed our last test from Bert S.’s entrepreneur class. It’s been a tough road up to this point, but as the saying goes, “All things worth having don’t come easily,” and that was clearly evident as the cheers roared in the classroom when the facilitator yelled “time.”

In addition we also wrapped up our first test on the classic novel Crime and Punishment. To many of us this book is definitely a tough read; however, if you get past the peculiar names and phrases, the book is really good. With only two more tests to reach the finish line, a lot of our brothers are anxious to finally relax a little.

We also prayed out a few of our brothers today as they begin their journey home to the free world. We’re always sad when a brother leaves, but we know that our time is around the corner and we will be reunited with our brothers again soon.

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

Thursday April 20, 2017

We finally took our last test for Bert S.’s class and are currently reading Crime and Punishment and being tested on that as well. Wow, how time has passed – it feels like just yesterday we were in Men’s Life and Leadership Academy. Stepping into our leadership roles and facilitating the new class, watching our new brothers grow, is the best part of it all.

As we prepare for our Pitch Day event and graduation just around the corner, the Kings of Spring ‘17 are ready for anything that crosses our path. Some of our brothers already know their pitch, while others are tuning up theirs. It’s obvious that we are working hard for rewards that are yet to come.

We have been through a lot in the last seven months, and we have overcome many obstacles. We have stood strong through it all, despite the fact that there have been many ups and downs and many of our brothers did not make it through the journey. But those of us that stood strong will reap the benefits that this program has to offer.

We made it, brothers!

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

Friday April 21, 2017

Friday was a day for rest for the Kings of Spring ‘17. We have all learned that with hard work, rest is sure to follow. But we have not let up, practicing and fine tuning our pitches is the only thing on our agenda. Hats off to my brothers for all the hard work they continue to put into their business plans and pitches.

The effort will pay off in the end. The word of God says that you reap what you sow, therefore, those who have given 100% will reap the benefits that this program has to offer. Graduation is right around the corner, and having our families see us accomplish something positive while being incarcerated is only the beginning of what’s yet to follow.

We look forward to seeing our families come graduation day. The smiles they will have on their faces from watching their loved one walk the stage will bring such joy and happiness. Keep up the good work brothers, the finish line is just around the corner. On behalf of PEP, thank you!

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

Expressions

“Preach the Gospel at all times, and if necessary use words.”

~St. Francis of Assisi

It’s not just what you say, but how you carry yourself that determines how people perceive you – and more so the latter than the former. Your actions are the testimony of your life. Others are naturally drawn to people who are authentic. When someone’s words are aligned with their walk, then there’s little room for misinterpretation. We’re setting the pace for our brothers behind us, so be the great examples I’ve watched all of you become.

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