Dignity does not float down from heaven it cannot be purchased nor manufactured. It is a reward reserved for those who labor with diligence. – Bill Hybels

Different people learn in different ways. Some people flourish in an environment of text books, lectures and memorization while others prefer a more hands on approach. Dignity Project is an organization committed to helping students whose gifts are better cultivated outside the classroom.

In 1998 Dignity Project opened an Auto Academy designed to provide high school dropouts with a second chance. Young people who enrolled at the academy learn automotive repair for future employment. Once donated vehicles are repaired by the participants they are given to disadvantaged families in the Gainesville area.

Robbie Wingard, 16, was the first teenager to work as an intern while he was still in high school. He came to the MobileBooth with Executive Director Gene Tysowsky, to talk about how his life has changed since he began working at Dignity Project.

Inspired by Robbie’s conversation with Gene, two other Dignity Project participants, Dearon Bronson, 16, and Danny Cano, 17, came to the MobileBooth to have a conversation of their own. They talked cars. Dearon described his dream car, the Camero. Danny and Dearon first bonded over their love of fixing up cars. Lately, though they have been discussing the future and boot camp. Both Dearon and Danny plan to enlist in the Marines in the upcoming months. They talked about what it means to be a Marine and about going to war. “I don’t want to die,” said Danny about the thought of serving in Iraq or Afghanistan. He spoke with intensity about serving his country. Dearon hopes to see the world. Both agreed that boot camp will be a challenge.