Week 16

Week in Review

Monday April 24, 2017

“Toastmaster, fellow toastmasters, honored and distinguished guests” – our last and final club meeting took place today. Toastmasters has been by far the most exhilarating part of our transformation. Instilling Toastmasters skills into our journey has allowed us to become better and more inspiring, persuasive, entertaining and informative speakers.

For some of us, standing up in front of our peers and delivering our first few speeches was quite nerve-wracking, while others were naturals and performed without any problems. As we progressed, the nervousness gradually faded away and there was not one brother who didn’t take full control of the room (and his nerves). In the end everyone delivered speeches with conviction.

As a whole, the Kings of Spring ’17 would like to thank our servant leaders and Mr. Jim A. for the effort they put forth to ensure that we gave our best, and for dedicating their Mondays to be with us. Kings of Spring ’17, stay focused and finish strong, brothers.

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

Tuesday April 25, 2017

Although the Kings of Spring ‘17 didn’t have anything scheduled, we did have the opportunity to give back. The new class is in full swing on Phase One (the character phase), and to be able to give back has been the most fun since starting PEP. It has given a newfound respect and love for those who came before us.

We have more time on our hands since completing Bert’s class, and we use our time to work on our business pitches. As we get closer to our next event, you can feel the excitement emanating from everybody. To be this close to letting our hard work pay off is a thrilling feeling to say the least. We give thanks to our families, and our PEP family, for carrying us this far, and we are continuing to push forward.

Our graduation is approaching fast, and we could not be more ready! To every volunteer and PEP brother who has taken the time to study with us and motivate us to keep going, we thank you. To our family members back home, we will never be able to express the appreciation that we have for your constant love and support. We are looking forward to making all of you proud.

Xavier A. (a.k.a. Chocolate Drizzle)

Wednesday April 26, 2017

Today was an interesting day to say the least. Everyone woke up today with the same agenda: acing the Crime and Punishment test! With some last-minute studying and bouncing vocabulary words off each other, we prepared to conquer one more mountain before us. Spring 17’s call was heard and the troops assembled. What happened next shocked us all to the core.

“At a loss for words” is the only way to describe how we feel about today’s news. Our fearless leader, Mike P., is moving on to the next chapter in his life. The news and the blow was totally unexpected, and we will truly miss Mike. “Who are we? We are PEP! And where do we live? ‘Between the wings!’” EXTRA GRAVY, H-Pod Alumni … we will hold it down, Mike. God bless you.

As the CEO took the main stage, he had one objective on his mind: pitches! One by one the Kings of Spring ‘17 rose up and delivered one outstanding pitch after another. The energy and encouragement for our brothers was an amazing display of hard work. You could tell that we were all about our business and have been putting in the effort to deliver the best possible pitches ever. Great job, Kings!

Christopher V. (a.k.a. Ernest)

Thursday April 27, 2017

There is not much time left to prepare for our Pitch Day event. Everyone is excited and nervous at the same time. Most of the brothers are spending their time practicing and reciting their pitches, or fine tuning what has been put on paper. Who will have the best pitch? That question will be answered on the fifth day of next month, Cinco de Mayo.

We have all poured out our hearts and given it our all, making sure that we display both professionalism and courage come show time. Hopes are at their highest. Everything that we have learned, we applied to our speeches on Pitch Day. It’s time to see if our work is up to par.

Pitch Day is not the only thing on our mind; we also have another event coming up on June 2^nd, which we all are looking forward to. This is the reason we have worked so hard. We are all excited about walking the stage at graduation. Smiles and satisfaction are all around. Families will see our hard work on display – congratulations, Kings!

Hubert R. (a.k.a. Elvis)

Friday April 28, 2017

We the Kings of Spring ‘17 have nearly tackled one of our goals:, making it to graduation on June 2^nd. This journey has sparked a brotherhood that will last forever. It is an awesome realization to look to my left and my right and see guys who are striving daily for greatness, while having the desire to see me succeed as well.

Today we endured another PEP Wolf Pack CrossFit workout. Twelve sets of extreme burpees had us feeling very much alive. Michael G., our trainer, pushes us to the limit and beyond every workout. Commitment is a must to become or remain physically fit, and we have some profoundly committed men in our class, fortunately.

Five weeks from this day we will be graduating. That moment will mark our journey of remolding our lives to be better men for our families and loved ones. Graduation will not be our final destination; it is just the beginning of a profound expedition through authentic manhood.

Joshua M. (a.k.a. Mater)

Expressions

“The only time to look back is to see how far you’ve come.”

~Unknown

When transforming our lives to become better men, we need only to strive forward. Looking back at our past mistakes will only have us dwell on the past. It is true that we have to examine ourselves and see if we have made progress in our lives. My pastor told me once that living your life and not letting go of your past is like living in bondage. And you know what? He was right. After I learned to forgive those who wronged me, I noticed a big change in my lifestyle. I was no longer living in bondage, and I felt free for the first time in my life. Brothers, learn to forgive those who have wronged us, and remember: it is for our benefit and for those who love us.

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