Week 17

Week in Review

Monday October 30, 2017

Today was a great day. We attended Toastmasters to wrap up our last speech. It is crazy how we have grown since the start of this class; the change and progress we have made is remarkable. So many of us struggle to express ourselves clearly and precisely in public speaking, but Toastmasters has given us the tools to cultivate our potential.

The most amazing thing is to see each other grow and progress in areas where we struggle. But even more amazing is to be a part of the next man’s growth. To know how far he has come, and to know you have helped him along the way, gives you a feeling that words cannot explain.

As we reflect on all that happened today, we come to understand that it truly is something special to see each other grow, and that fact embodies profound principles that help us push through our struggles together. One thing to love about our class is that we go hard for each other. The question was asked of us, can we make it and can we do it? Today we proved we made it, and there is nothing we can’t do or get done together. Fall ‘17 stand up!

Kevin V. (a.k.a. “Wanda”)

Tuesday October 31, 2017

I stopped by Leadership Academy today to drop off a book, and the guys were doing their action plans. It seems like just a few weeks ago that the Legends of the Fall ’17 turned up in the first phase of PEP. We may not be in Leadership Academy, but the Legends have turned up nonetheless.

With graduation looming on the horizon, we are looking forward to walking across that stage and joining the ranks of PEP brothers who came before us on this transformative journey. It has not been easy, but we have persevered and made each other proud.

With our Pitch Day event coming up, we are polishing our pitches so we can shine at the event on Friday. A lot of hard work has gone into these pitches, and we are ready to get up there and go off like dynamite. After this, it’s the Business Plan Competition and then the graduation we have all worked so hard for. We look forward to seeing our families and having them here to celebrate our accomplishment. Our heads and our hearts are held high, here among the Legends of the Fall, as we prepare for the next leg of our journey as PEP brethren.

David W. (a.k.a. “Forest Gump”)

Wednesday November 1, 2017

Today was a day of excellence! Though the “Legends of the Fall” are almost at an end with all the lessons and sessions, it didn’t stop us from squeezing in some preparation time for the upcoming Pitch Day event. We easily and quickly knocked out the Crime and Punishment tests, and with our extra time decided as a class to work on delivering our pitches.

WOW! Many of us got to hear business plan pitches from some of our brothers that we hadn’t been fortunate to hear yet, due to fact that we all stay on different pods. It was very impressive and amazing to hear and see the transformation within these classmates of ours, as well the growth and structure of their business plans.

Like most great things in our lives, it takes time for things to be created and molded, so many of us had a hard time believing that our business plans would (and could) ever work. It was daunting just thinking about having to speak in front of a table of strangers ready to evaluate us – but we had to deliver a business plan as well! Some of us had never even had a job! But with Bert S.’s (a.k.a. Chocolate Truffles) help, and with our hard work, we have some strong and great business plans! Come on “Pitch Day” – we are ready for you!

Bryan Gene A. (a.k.a. “Leader of the Munchkin Guild”)

Thursday November 2, 2017

It’s very humbling to serve others, and in Leadership Academy we get the chance to serve in a major way as we get to be a part of lives changing and walls being broken. It wasn’t long ago that we, Legends of the Fall ’17, were in those very seats trying to establish a foundation to build our lives upon.

The topic today was “integrity,” and it seemed like everyone was tuned in, because integrity can be misinterpreted. It doesn’t simply mean doing the right thing, but doing the right thing when no one is around. Integrity is following your true north to the best of your ability and being true to yourself at all times.

In addition, some of our brothers ended their days by attending Health & Wellness class; it’s crazy to think that one of our very own PEP brothers was the creator of it. This goes to show you how much PEP has empowered individuals to believe in themselves to lead others in a way that inspires change. Just another blessed day to be six feet above and not six feet below.

Omar S. (a.k.a. “Pound Cake”)

Friday November 3, 2017

What an amazing way to end the week with the Pitch Day event. As we got up early to prepare for our presentations, the anticipation in the air was tangible. Brothers were reciting their pitches to themselves in the dayroom and then we heard our class name called out—Fall ’17.

Upon arriving at the PEP room, we all took pictures with each other, because we know that there is only a couple events left to do so. Soon enough a vast majority of the Legends of the Fall will be returning to the free world. After what seemed like an eternity of anxious waiting, it was finally show time.

We all went to our designated rooms and gave our business pitches to the panels of executives. One by one we had our 10 minutes of fame and before we knew it, the day was nearly over. There was a great number of new executives at the event, which goes to show just how much of an impact the PEP revolution is having on the world. Let’s continue to be the Legends of Fall ’17.

Eric R. (a.k.a. “Tender Roney”)

Expressions

 “Don’t trust anyone, but give everyone a chance.”

~Michael G.

A lot of times we are quick to judge a book by its cover, not knowing of the contents that are within. Getting to know those who are around us can be beneficial. I am a true believer that people are put in our path so we may see our very own flaws, while we examine theirs. That’s why I am firmly believe we need to give people chances. Think about it: how many times were you given a chance? How many times did someone judge you before they got a chance to get to know who you really are? Let’s start by being less judgmental and more considerate of others and who they really are.

Joe A. (a.k.a. “Chile Piquing”)