Week 3
Week in Review
Monday July 16, 2018
July 16th had so many opportunities. Today we turned in several assignments that we have put so much work into: our logos, brochures, names and slogans. We are anxious to see the graphics, layouts, pictures and fonts. We’ve enjoyed creating these works of art, and we hope to share them with everyone soon. The graphic designers will gain a lot of experience, and the students will see a product of their design come to life in color.
Today we had Toastmasters class. The topic of our speeches was “Icebreakers,” where we learned a lot about our peers and ourselves. The chance to get comfortable with the demands of public speaking is awesome. Toastmasters is undeniably beneficial in so many aspects of life. We will use the skills gained here to excel in the program and in any opportunity to give a speech in the future.
There are so many things to look forward to. Even though it is still early in the program, at this rate of productivity, combined with all the positive influences, we are destined to do great things. We will continue to attack these assignments and honor the name of Fearless Fall ’18.
Ryan J. (a.k.a. “Sweet Bread”)
Tuesday July 17, 2018
We began the day with Al M. (a.k.a. “Granny Panties”) sharing some of his life story and his view on Integrity, one of PEP’s Ten Driving Values. Al’s words were powerful, because he once sat in these chairs and wore this same uniform we are wearing. That’s one of the great things about PEP; we learn, grow and become stable members of society, then we reach back and give our brothers a hand up!
Harvey M. (a.k.a. “Short Cake”) was up next before the class. He is one of our Re-entry Managers. He also graduated PEP 10 years ago. Yes, PEP is amazing and transformational inside, but it’s only a sample of the post-release benefits. These PEP guys have this whole “transitioning back into society” down to a science! Starting at the back gate of the “Walls” (Huntsville Unit), they’ll pick you up, take you out for your first meal and give you a care package (sheets, boxers, socks, hygiene, clothes, etc.) to get you situated in the transitional house. In the first week, they help you with taking care of basic needs: driver’s license, birth certificate, glasses, food stamps, clothes and an introduction to metro transportation. Also, you get free bus and trolley vouchers up until your first paycheck or cigarette. Weeks 2-3 include resume preparations and interviews, and they also assist you with clothing for those interviews. And let’s not forget the weekly e-School classes and all of the benefits there as well, including business workshops, financial advisors, mentoring, etc. More could be written on all the post-release benefits, but we haven’t covered the computer lab yet!
After lunch, some of us had computer lab. We thought it would be fun, but the first session gave quite a few of us anxiety and splitting headaches, because not all of us have used a computer in the last decade. However, today was better, and the simple lessons in Microsoft Word gave us confidence that a computer will actually be a valuable tool and not a torture device! And that concludes a day in the life of PEP.
Thomas J. (a.k.a. “Sour Skittles”)
Wednesday July 18, 2018
Hello PEP! Today was the longest but probably most interesting day to date for Fall ’18. Can you say double up? We had two classes today to make up for last week’s lockdown. Also, we had our first test for Bert S.’s (a.k.a. “Chocolate Truffles”) entrepreneurship class. As a whole, Fearless Fall ’18 fared well. Furthermore, as a tribute to our leadership, we continue to set the bar for classes to come.
The morning started out with a PEP talk from Pat M. (a.k.a. “Precious”) to rally the troops. He discussed the need to sacrifice in order to better our chances for success. Brian T. (a.k.a. “Cruella de Vil”) followed up by enlightening us on his journey with PEP, twice, as well as bringing us up to speed on Basic Business and reviewing the first two chapters. Economy, cost vs. benefits, opportunities, business offerings and structures were expounded on in great detail. His emphasis on the three critical things in a business model should help us tremendously with our own plans.
Bert S. came in the afternoon session, most energetic as always. He brought two guests from the Ohio Department of Rehabilitations and Corrections in order to showcase PEP at work. PEP is going Hollywood? – excuse me, global! God is good! Bert S. continued our discussion in the external analysis aspect of business. Defining industry and our customers got the lesson going. Understanding markets and the demographics they are tied to was super informative. Trends, bench marketing, competitive advantages and factors closed out his lecture. The emphasis placed on focus and preparation, by taking notes and reading prior to lectures, will end up being the best gem of the day. Keep up the good work, men of Fall ’18!
Monson D. (a.k.a. “Pinky”)
Thursday July 19, 2018
We spent the morning learning from some of our PEP staff members. Harvey M. (a.k.a. “Short Cake”), the Re-entry Manager from the Houston PEP office, spent the morning with us going over Accountability, which is one of our 10 Driving Values. Everyone was bright-eyed and ready to learn, showing the staff why we are Fearless Fall ’18.
After lunch, we got a small break. Some of us went to our first computer lab class. The Servant-Leaders and computer lab tutors were very helpful and displayed true leadership by putting those they were teaching first.
At 3 p.m., Tony M. (a.k.a. “Tony Chestnut”) came by to teach us about another one of our 10 Driving Values, Execution! Being that he is our Chief Development Officer (CDO), Execution is important to him. Without him raising money and public awareness for PEP, none of us would be given this chance. So, in the weeks that follow, let us challenge one another not just to do the minimum that will only get us by, but to do our best!
Stephen G. (a.k.a. “Drew Carey”)
Friday July 20, 2018
Pray-outs are one of my favorite events to attend in PEP. I love getting to see the individual getting prayed out coming to terms with finally going home. We as a class all get to stand together, clap or “Toastmasters clap” (silent clap) and wish the individual goodbye while they go down the aisle to their favorite song. What a great way to spend a Friday morning!
The great thing about going to pray-outs is that you’re going to laugh, or maybe even cry. But most importantly, we get to gain insight and wisdom about our brother’s life and what they’ve gone through. Mr. Derrick J. (a.k.a. “Big Worm”) is truly something special. His personality lights up the room, and his smile has an everlasting effect on whoever gets a glimpse of it. You would never know that he was even incarcerated because of the enormous transformation he’s made with PEP and through God.
We also got to hear how Mr. Christian C. (a.k.a. “Groucho Marx”) has transformed from a young boy to an awesome man. What a great feeling to know how much people care and get to watch you blossom through this program. What a great way to pay it forward to all future brothers that go through this journey. We get to see and hear these “super stiff” guys turn into “super sweet” men!
Sage K. (a.k.a. “JWoww”)
Expressions
“We stand in life at midnight, we are always on the threshold of a new dawn.”
- Martin Luther King Jr.
While it appears that our lives are in a precarious state at this time, in reality we are at the threshold of a new beginning. The direction that it takes at this point is up to us. As the CEO’s of our lives, we must take the initiative and create a better tomorrow for ourselves. But are we truly in control of it, or are we just floating by in life? There is a difference between motion and direction. When we have control of the helm, we can steer the course to our destiny.
Brothers, we do not want to find ourselves in this same predicament again. We must use this time wisely by diligently working on ourselves. Remember, not only is this a business course, it’s a course in changing lifestyles. Not everybody is given this fortunate opportunity that we have here, so let us not waste it. If we fail to recognize that, then we have only ourselves to blame. If we expect greater rewards in life, we must seize control of it. What will you make of your life? What is your destiny?
Timothy D. (a.k.a. “Ren”)
Recent Comments