Week 18

Week in Review

Monday November 6, 2017

What an exciting day we had today with our last Toastmasters class! There were only 10 people who had not given their tenth speech. Everyone looked around at each other like this day would never come. There was no doubt in our minds that we all were going to do well on our last speech.

Soon after we left the Toastmasters class, some came back to our dorm and immediately started to study for our last test over the Crime and Punishment book, while others went on to Health and Wellness to better themselves physically.

We the students of the Legends of the Fall are very appreciative for the opportunities we’ve had while being in PEP, and we look forward to next month’s graduation. Some of the guys have not seen their loved ones; for others, it will be a time to mend some bridges that have been burned. Whatever the situation may be, our loved ones will have something to look forward to.

Martinos W. (a.k.a. “Little Teapot”)

Tuesday November 7, 2017

Today was a wonderful day, because there were no activities for our class to be in the PEP room. We got to spend the majority of the day with our brothers in the upcoming class. Slowly but surely, we can see the Spring ‘18 class embracing our harmonious culture, and that in itself makes us proud of them.

We are extremely blessed to be a part of this big, important family. It is because of programs and organizations like this one that lives are changed, transformed, edified and lifted up to a higher and better purpose.

Hopefully we have been able to make someone look at life differently and bring joy into their lives. It has been an honor to serve these men. We are not alone in this race brothers; WE ARE PEP! And we will forever live between the wings. Next stop: graduation.

Reynaldo H. (a.k.a. “Scrappy Doo”)

Wednesday November 8, 2017

In the past few weeks, our schedules have slowed down. We have gone from juggling several things at once, to focusing on pitches and our last reading assignment. This proved to be a challenge for some of our PEP brothers.

Crime and Punishment is an advanced read and is riddled with extensive vocabulary. Today was our last test on Chapters 5 and 6 of this nearly 800-page tome. The majority of the test focused on vocabulary words. We as a class are learning to speak in a vernacular beyond our upbringings and to express ourselves with an eloquence that reflects our recent education

As we look forward from today, we feel a sense of accomplishment at the completion of our last test. Many of us have begun already, just this evening, to prepare for the Business Plan Competition. Today has been a landmark in our progress. Next landmark: graduation!

Brandon L. (a.k.a. “Sherlock”)

Thursday November 9, 2017

Thursday was another day of the new Leadership Academy class, which is starting to get with the program by being more involved. I can honestly say that most of these guys truly want a change in their lives. It is a true honor to help these brothers on their journey to a better tomorrow.

On this particular day, the afternoon class of Leadership Academy was being taught about the different types of plans that we need to have ready to go upon release. I believe that the hardest part of those plans is the financial plan. It is really hard to say how much money you are going to be making, unless you are going back to your old job or working with someone who has already offered you a job that is waiting for you.

For the current class getting ready to graduate, the finish line is near, but remember it’s only the beginning. We have to figure out what it is we want to do after graduation. A lot of the brothers are going home, while others are still going to be here, and those are the brothers that need to take the initiative to be true servant-leaders to the guys coming after them. The question is, what is it you’re going to do once you graduate? Peace.

Joe A. (a.k.a. “Chile Piquing”)

Friday November 10, 2017

Today was such an amazing day. It was one of the most relaxed days since our PEP journey began almost nine months ago. There was a guest speaker and all of Spring ’18 was called out to class, so it was pretty quiet on the dorms and the majority of the Legends took this time to work on their business pitches.

With the Business Plan Competition (BPC) and graduation comes a vast array of feelings and emotions, from excitement and eagerness to a feeling of sadness and anticipation of what’s next in life. It’s almost like an “is this real?” type of emotion. For many, we reflect on the road traveled, memories made and bonds forged, as well as what it means to live life and not simply exist.

We all come here separate and with our own reasons and agendas, and graduation is a marker for success that many long for. Whether those who came to look good for parole, those who “fake it to make it” for the chance at some A/C, or those who came determined for a complete change of lifestyle – whatever the reason, PEP’s mission is being accomplished in all of us. Today as we reflect back, we look forward and walk in the grace that God has given us and we are, above all, grateful.

Patrick W. (a.k.a. “Patrick Starr”)

Expressions

“Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.”

~John Lennon

Before we get out, we are told, don’t worry, your big moment is going to come. Be patient and continue doing good, until your big moment comes. You should be careful if you’re going to wait.

For me, my life will be what is happening while I’m waiting for my big moment. When we get out, there will be so many things we want to do; things we have planned; things that need to be done; and things that we have to wait for. Although your big moment may not be as big as my big moment, no one knows when – or if – those big moments may ever happen.

My advice: don’t concentrate so much on the waiting. Cherish the little things you do while you’re waiting. That’s the real joy in life. Whether you’re taking your kid to school for the first time or you’re watching the Astros win the World Series, life is a collection of millions and billions tiny little moments and choices, good or bad, that make your life.

Today is your big moment. The life you’ll be waiting for is really the life that is happening all around you. Enjoy it. Don’t wait. Live life!

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