Pacers Work with Habitat for Humanity in NOLA

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AIKEN, SC (11/24/2018) During their fall break, several students from the University of South Carolina Aiken ventured to New Orleans to help local residents build homes.

Joining forces with Habitat for Humanity, the group from Aiken helped construct a home for a future resident.

"When we first started, only the four outer walls of the home had been built. By the time we left, the inner framework of the house was complete, and there were even windows," said Lindsey Calhoun, a USC Aiken education major.

"A house was beginning to resemble a home that someone in need would finally be able to call their own. We did that, and it was powerful."

According to Calhoun, the students from Aiken learned more than how to hammer a nail correctly or how to effectively and efficiently build the infrastructure of a house. They learned lessons that will serve them throughout life, including how to ride a bike, which a couple of students didn't know how to do before the trip.

"We learned how to work together as a group of people who barely knew each other before the trip began," she said.

"Most importantly, we learned how to capitalize on each other's strengths and let each other lead in the situations we were best fit to.

"The trip to New Orleans helped us to learn when to lead, when to take a step back, and how rewarding it can be to work hard on something that will mean so much to someone."

In addition to leadership lessons, the group learned about the rich cultural component of New Orleans and the impact of Hurricane Katrina. They learned individual lessons about themselves too.

Calhoun considered this trip "one of the most valuable experiences a USC Aiken student could have the opportunity to take part in.

"The experience allowed for personal growth and reflection while also encouraging students to get outside of their comfort zones for the greater good."