Week 3

Week in Review

Monday January 15, 2018

Today was Martin Luther King Jr. Day – it was also computer lab day. We typed letters to our advisors. As we were typing, you couldn’t help but reflect on some of the elaborate speeches that MLK gave. The “I Have a Dream” speech has changed and influenced so many lives in America.

Being an entrepreneur is a dream – a dream that can be fulfilled, and in America we have more opportunities to do so than in most other countries. Only in America will you find an entrepreneurship program in prison. PEP is our chance for a new opportunity and a chance to fulfill our dreams. Forward, march Soldiers of Spring ‘18!

Mark I. (a.k.a. “Wolverine”)

Tuesday January 16, 2018

Today seems a little different.  Instead of having one chapter to study and one test a week, we have three tests to study for this week. So even though it seems a little hectic, everyone is studying and settling for nothing less than greatness. Keep up the work, soldiers. It’s great seeing the efforts my brothers put out in order to learn and be successful. Let’s pray we keep up the hard work and reach our full potential. May God continue to guide and be with us all!

Eric H. (a.k.a. “Little Tavo”)

Wednesday January 17, 2018

Today the Soldiers of Spring ‘18 took Bert S.’s three tests, covering Basic Business, Chapter 1 and Chapter 2. My brothers and I studied hard for these tests, and I know we were ready to ace them. Some of us had homework from the previous test, but that did not stop any of us from helping and motivating each other to continue excelling in our assignments and studies. PEP has been a blessing in the sky for a majority of us, because we have created a brotherhood. We are here to uplift each other, help one another and empower any brother so that we can all do better in life. My brothers and I look forward to learning more about the business world from our fearless leader, Bert S. We are soldiers – united we stand and divided we fall!

Brian G. (a.k.a. “Orange Tootsie Pop”)

Thursday January 18, 2018

Today was a day of reckoning for my brothers and me. It just so happened to be the day after a snow day, and the Soldiers of Spring ‘18 were scheduled to take three tests in one day. Some of us were still a little unprepared, so yesterday’s extra day of study was definitely necessary.

It has definitely been the most stressful day in Bert S.’s class thus far. The tests came and went and just like that, it was over. We moved directly into pray outs for our brothers who are going home. During pray outs, we have a chance to give some words of encouragement for our brothers to hear once they’re outside. After the pray outs, we headed back to our dorms for some much-needed time to reflect.

Soldiers, at times it can get overwhelming in PEP, and it’s easy to fall behind. However, that’s what soldiers are made for: to overcome in the toughest of times. So strap up your boots and put on your helmets, because we have a long road ahead of us. A big salute to all of you! Hoorah!

Michael C. (a.k.a. “Charmin Bear”)

Friday January 19, 2018

Today was definitely a breath of fresh air for the Soldiers of Spring ‘18. Our first event was amazing! We had the opportunity to bounce all of our business ideas off of successful business owners and executives. And in return, they provided us with invaluable feedback and criticism that will help us create lucrative business plans. This is a day we will always remember, because it was like our “Rite of Passage” into Phase Two.

David B. (a.k.a. “Dr. Evil Otis”)

Expressions

“The more sweat in peace, the less blood in war.”

~Unknown

This quote continues to prove how proper preparation will pay dividends when the true test arrives. Continuing to train ourselves to change our ways of thinking and behaving will prevent much loss and suffering in the face of adversity. This will help us overcome the daily challenges life offers. Obedience is always better than sacrifice.

Adam K. (a.k.a. “Cupid”)