Week 18

Week in Review

Monday October 29, 2018

First of all, let us give thanks to God Almighty for allowing us the opportunity to see the light of this day. Fearless Fall ’18, we have come so far on this journey – the ups and downs, the struggles, the fallen, the intensity, the frustration, the slips, the mistakes and who can forget the undisputed homework. Well, we can at least appreciate the fact that we have made it past the academic portion of Phase Two!

Today, some of us were nominated to be dance crewmembers for our upcoming event. We also had several special guests from North Carolina who are interested in incorporating the fundamentals and PEP culture in their state’s correctional system to offer hope and success there. That will be a blessing to many.

Three of our brothers Joel B. (a.k.a. “Cardi B.”), Freddie H. (a.k.a. “Kung Fu Panda”) and Shawn G. (a.k.a. “Cheerleader Megaphone”) displayed their business plan pitches in front of our North Carolina guests. Being representatives for PEP’s class of Fearless Fall ’18, they made an outstanding impression. Just like Airborne Rangers jumping out of a jumbo plane, they were ready to shoot their pitches at a moment’s notice.

We were also touched by the story our brother Justin V. (a.k.a. “Mr. Pringles”) shared about how he came to PEP and persevered through his losses. However, from his testimony, he has proven that he has gained a new and great family from PEP. Who said Mondays were dull?!? They must not have been in our shoes. Remember that we are all in this together here, now, out there and forever.

Louis P. (a.k.a. “Pac-Man”)

Tuesday October 30, 2018

Today Fearless Fall ’18 had a much-needed day off. All of our testing is finally done! Some of us got to take some personal time.  We were able to do things that we have not been able to do in a while like read, watch TV or just sit back and relax. Everyone enjoyed it very much.

Some of us showed our Servant-Leader Mentality by going down to the Leadership Academy class for Spring ’19. We listened to a great speech given by our Fearless Fall ’18 brother Sage K. (a.k.a. “J-Woww”). It was on vision and what we need to change so that we can achieve our vision.

Please remember, Fall ’18, that we are close to graduation. Stay focused and do not forget to pitch, pitch, pitch, so you can be completely comfortable with it at the Business Plan Competition. Our families are just as ready to see us walk that stage as we are, so keep in mind that this is not the end, but the beginning of a great future with our PEP family.

Shawn G. (a.k.a. “Cheerleader Megaphone”)

Wednesday October 31, 2018

We began today with our Servant-Leader meeting. We were brought up-to-date on different topics in PEP. We learned that one of our Legend brothers, Daniel G. (a.k.a. “Slow Poke Rodriguez”), passed away from a massive heart attack. It’s a valuable lesson and a reminder how precious life is and that we shouldn’t take it for granted.

We followed up the meeting with testimonials presented by our CEO, Bryan K. (a.k.a. “Dorothy”). He went over how to give a testimony in 5 minutes, then proceeded to tell us his testimony. He went way past five minutes, but we didn’t tell him. Shortly after, we all broke up into groups and discussed a theme for our testimony that will grab the audience’s attention and hopefully help someone someday.

We closed out the day with business pitches. Bert S. (a.k.a. “Chocolate Truffles”) selected several of our Fearless Fall ’18 brothers to present their pitches and then gave them great feedback to prepare them for our Pitch Day event this Friday. Good luck brothers – the finish line is in the near future!

Erik G. (a.k.a. “Turbo Tax Sheep”)

Thursday November 1, 2018

There was no class today, as we were all getting ready for our second to last pitch event of the year. We’ve come a long way from where we started. Some of us are very nervous, because for us, these aren’t just pitches. These are pieces of our future. So, we do as much as we can to get this right for ourselves, because it’s not the business competition that’s important to us; it’s manifesting these plans into reality that is going to make a real difference in our lives. We are very excited about moving forward in this cause and are full of hope about tomorrow.

We have become somewhat withdrawn and have spent a lot of time in reflection as we picture our lives being restored and remade, holding on to our visions and oaths to ourselves and our families. We prepare and practice because of what we do now! Day by day, we give ourselves away to this eternal now! For you, families, loved ones, we love you. We wait for you. Thank you for not forgetting us.

Jeremiah M. (a.k.a. “Sweet Prince”)

Friday November 2, 2018

Today’s Pitch Day event was a lot like game day. People were nervous but made sure that they executed their pitches and delivered them with confidence. Sometimes it’s hard, but Fall ’18 overcame and we found comfort and inspiration in each other. Pitch Day was a great event that brought the realization that we have accomplished a life-altering goal. Our next step is to graduate; we will have earned our way across the stage, so we step out with confidence.

From day one to now, there’s been a dramatic change in all of us. The journey doesn’t stop just because we graduate. The journey’s just beginning. We have more goals to accomplish and examples to set. “Hard times only last if we allow them to.” We delivered our pitches with professionalism and precision. Keep moving forward Fall ’18. It’s been a long road, but a road less traveled:

“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I —

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.” (Robert Frost)

This journey has been worth every single disagreement, complaint and accomplishment. Standing up in front of a group of our fellow classmates lip syncing and pitching is one thing, but doing that in front of the executives is another. We never thought we would be able to do some of the things we’ve done while in this program, but with all the love, support, inspiration and guidance our executives and staff bring, we don’t just think, we know we can accomplish anything we set our minds to. We must make a choice to improve ourselves and our situations, and if we want things to get better, we have to invest in ourselves and put forth the effort to turn things around!

Jeremy T. (a.k.a. “Bugs Bunny”)

Expressions

“If you cannot feed a hundred people, then feed just one.”

~ Mother Teresa

You can change the world, one person at a time. Think about it. The world to one person is the world they are living in through their eyes, so why not change their life and change their so-called world for the better? I know I can’t change the life of every person I talk to, but if I change just one person’s life before I die, then I will feel my job has been done. If you change one person’s life, they will change another’s and that person will do the same. Eventually the world may change by you just changing that one person’s life.

It’s a domino effect. Always strive to change at least one person’s life for the better in your lifetime, because the world will still be standing after we go; but will the world still be changing from that one person you helped?

Max B. (a.k.a. “Curfew”)