Sometimes, success isn’t a straight line.
Travis Pinckney moved into a Habitat house in Jacksonville, Florida, when he was in middle school. Still, he struggled as a young student. His involvement with a Habitat prep club — which encouraged college plans and, thanks to the generosity of local philanthropists, held out the promise of a full scholarship — competed with the temptations of darker influences. But with hard work and his family’s help, Travis discovered a new path, never giving up until he passed his college entrance exams and claimed his tuition assistance.
As an undergrad, Travis’ journey to success wasn't a straight line. But he looks back and sees mile markers. He sees, he says, the fulfillment of promises planted in his young life many years ago by people who cared enough to help. And now he just wants to do the same for others. Graduate and then graduate student, Travis taught and mentored area youth — using, he says, lessons learned from his local Habitat. Today, he works for Florida’s Duval County school system, coordinating career and financial aid workshops and tutoring at-risk students.
Actions taken on a Habitat build site reach far beyond — for Travis and so many like him. When we come together to build houses and community, hope follows.
