Week 17

Week in Review

Monday May 1, 2017

Today is the beginning of another week, and the majority of us have completed Toastmasters; however, a few of our brothers still have their last speech to complete. For the rest of us, it’s back to studying for our last test, or getting our pitches ready for our upcoming event. Regardless, it’s still another week of homework and preparing. So we encourage all of our brothers to push on, because the finish line is in sight.

Spring ‘17 has some new responsibilities to take on. Every Wednesday we will have servant leader meetings to attend at 7 a.m., and from 9 a.m.–10 a.m. we have an opportunity to be a part of the Book club or Investment club. We will take advantage of these opportunities before it’s too late. With that being said, congratulations Spring ’17! We’re almost there, so let’s keep our focus on the prize (June 2) and strive to better ourselves continuously.

William E. (a.k.a. Elmo)

Tuesday May 2, 2017

Well here it is, May 2nd, one month before we graduate. We still persevere daily to reach the finish line. Our business plans are coming together, due to the fact that we are given a lot of resources for the different types of industries that our plans require. If we’re not reading a book, we are busy with other things that will help us with our business plans.

Today is our computer lab day. Not only were we able to do some research on the computer, but we also completed our awards ballot. This is where we voted for our brothers to receive awards that will be given out on graduation day, and also the day after. It was a tough task to complete, but the Kings of Spring ‘17 took care of business.

Above all things, no matter how tough the task or how involved the research may be, we will always maintain a positive outlook. PEP has changed each and every one of our lives in some way or another. So families, when your father, husband, or son comes home, be prepared to receive a new man. God bless.

Darrell M. (a.k.a. Peter Pan)

Wednesday May 3, 2017

Today as we prepare to take our last and final test for class, there’s nothing left but excitement. As we approach our Pitch Day event, we have started to realize that hard work really does pay off. We believe it’s been a major challenge, and we realize we’ve gotten more out of this program than we expected

It will be an amazing day at graduation. As for the Kings, I think we feel a little more nervous about seeing our loved ones than saying our pitches in front of executives. It’s been a while for most of us since we last saw our families. This has been one of the greatest opportunities that a man can look forward to.

You can never fail unless you quit. We just have to keep pushing forward from the minute we wake up to the minute we fall asleep every night. The Kings of Spring ‘17 are going to push it all the way through. Thanks to all of my brothers who did not quit but instead hung in there through these nine months of class. God bless you all.

Andrew M. (a.k.a. Kung Fu Brother)

Thursday May 4, 2017

As the Kings of Spring ‘17 come to an end in Bert’s class, we begin to have more time to work on other things, but especially on our pitches. Though we started to read Crime and Punishment last month, this past Wednesday was our final test, and it’s a relief to some, because now we can focus on other things.

Now we can see the light at the end of the tunnel, and it’s surreal. We have three weeks left until graduation and we are all really excited. Plus Pitch Day is tomorrow, and we are anxious and thrilled to say our pitches, because we have worked so hard on them.

Taking it one day at a time, through the ups and downs, smiles and frowns, we have built a strong brotherhood. We help each other with humble hearts and we believe in one another. Many things have come our way, but the most memorable would be our dearly beloved Michael P. leaving us. Mike, you have done so much for us, from helping us restore our lives to building a bond with our loved ones. We love you and we know that you will always be a part of PEP, but God has a better plan for your future. Good luck Mike, God bless and take care. Kings of Spring ‘17.

Marcos A. (a.k.a. Sweating Bullets)

Friday May 5, 2017

Today the Kings of Spring ‘17 had our Pitch Day event. We have been working hard on our pitches and practicing every day. It was obvious that some of our brothers were nervous, but once they started saying their pitches, you could see them shake off their nerves.

We all received great feedback and encouragement from the executives and some good constructive criticism as well. This is a great opportunity for us to show that no matter what, we can overcome anything, and stepping out of our comfort zones is the hardest thing to do for some of us. We all had a great time, and we know that the Business Plan Competition (BPC) will be just as fun and rewarding.

The hardest thing of the day was saying goodbye to our brother and servant leader, Michael P. He has been here with us five days a week, for the past eight months; pouring into us and leading us to graduation. He will be hard to replace, but we believe Al M. will step up to the plate to fill those shoes that have been walking these halls for the past three years. We look forward to seeing you at graduation, Mike, as you watch us walk the stage and cross over one of the obstacles in our lives. We love you, Mike!

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

Expressions

 “Those who know their limits are those who have dared to go beyond them in the first place.”

~Unknown

I’ve always been the one to say “I can’t do that” probably 90% of the time. I say this because I’ve never done it before, or I’m scared to fail, or – truth be told – I don’t understand the obstacle that I’m facing. So automatically, I have a limit to what I can and can’t do, but that’s not the truth in this quote. The truth is, you will only know your true limitations by pushing yourself to the extreme by attempting new things, facing new challenges that come your way and persevering in whatever you do. When you do this, you set your level of excellence at a higher standard than what you would have thought of originally. When a sea turtle is born, it is up to them to head toward the water and jump in. If the turtle never goes to the water, he’ll never know he’s one of nature’s best swimmers. So jump in the water, little turtles. Set your limits far beyond and excel in life.

Alexius T. (a.k.a. Cherry Dr. Pepper)