Week 22

Week in Review

Monday May 28, 2018

Today was another wonderful day here in PEP. My fellow classmates and I have been practicing our pitches for our upcoming event next week. We all are very much excited to be graduating in to the PEP family.

Fall ’18 has been studying day in and day out for their “big five” tests. They are almost done with the first phase of the program – two more weeks, and then it will get real for them. This is where we see what PEP has to offer us, now and for our future.

I remember when we, the Soldiers of Spring ’18, were in their shoes. Now we have accomplished something great, not only for us but for our families as well. Graduation is next week, brothers. Our mission is complete; now we must help Fall ’18 on their journey to become authentic men.

Andres F. (a.k.a. “The Little Engine That Could”)

Tuesday May 29, 2018

Today was a great day in the service of my Fall ’18 brothers who are being prepared for the PEP’s second (business) phase. We viewed a video from a PEP brother showing us the PEP transition house in Austin.

As graduation gets closer, the Soldiers of Spring ’18 are practicing, practicing, practicing their pitches for the upcoming Business Plan Competition. Upon graduation, we are fully prepared to be servant-leaders.

My brother Julian R. asked me one day, “What do you see when you look outside?” And I answered, “Trees,” which a majority of people would say. But he said, “No, what do you see?” I answered, “Life!” He responded, “That’s right. So many people would say a softball field, track, fence, cameras, and even barbed wire, but we must have a vision!” So I said all that to say this: if you can see life outside of these walls, then you have already taken a big step. Keep your vision brothers – love you all.

Raphiel B. (a.k.a. “Energizer Bunny”)

Wednesday May 30, 2018

Today was a good day. After half a week of not calling it, they called us out for our Health and Wellness class. We were able to go work out and release some built-up tension.

Spring ’18 was called out to Bert S.’s class on time and, to our surprise, he had a visitor with him, a specialist at giving presentations. Since we are preparing for the Business Plan Competition (BPC), our guest took the time to go over each of our pitches and give us valuable insight on what we should do to maximize our results. It was a blessing to receive advice from someone like him.

In the dorm, the servant-leaders and Spring ’18 held a jeopardy game for the Fall ’18 class to help with their “big five” tests that are quickly approaching. We provided coffee and cake for everyone participating. Today was truly a blessed day.

Michael C. (a.k.a. “Charmin Bear”)

Thursday May 31, 2018

Today when I glanced in the dorm, I saw Fall ’18 preparing for their tests. I am proud to see such progress by my new brothers. I am also seeing Spring ’18 prepare for our BPC. We held small group panels to practice our pitches.

I have seen a tremendous growth in all of us. We have become a part of something far greater than what most are accustomed to, and we have all learned so much about ourselves. I can recall when most of us were still trapped in our tough shell. But over time, we all became acquainted with one another and opened up to each other. We have all become brothers and have also gained true friends for life. We all are proud to say we are PEP; hard work and dedication will go a long way. Continue to strive, my brothers. In the end it will pay off. God bless.

Miguel C. (a.k.a. “Apoo”)

Friday June 1, 2018

Today was another beautiful day here in PEP. We have a week before graduation. Today we had the day off, but it’s not really a day off for us; we spent our Friday practicing our pitches.

We all got together and made our own pitch panels so we could practice as if we were pitching to the executives. It was great practice. Every one of us has worked really hard on our pitches. It was a productive day for the Soldiers of Spring ’18. I guess you could say it was another golden Friday, and we are one day closer to the prize.

Elbert A. (a.k.a. “Dunt to Dunt”)

Expressions

“I had my back against the wall

Been on my knuckles, had a lot and lost it all …

They’re sayin’ pray but don’t we all

Unanswered prayers make you feel like God is not accepting calls … ”

~ lyrics from Fall Thru

“Strength does not come from winning. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength.”

~ Mahatma Gandhi

Well my brothers, we have all gone through hardships in life. But we have all prevailed in this journey we call life. We did not quit or turn our backs on the ones we love; when things did not seem to go right, we stayed strong in faith and prayed to God. We have all won in life – we may not realize it now, but soon life will present itself to us. We did not surrender when times got tough, and we did not take the easy way out. We all prevailed and stood tall and stayed strong in faith. Keep believing in yourself, brothers. Trust and believe in everything you do in life.

Ronny V. (“Ron Cakes”)