Nelson McCoy is a rare individual and the work that he does on behalf of children in Duval county is priceless. Mr. McCoy came into our children’s lives at a pivotal point in their high school career. Our twin daughters were looking for scholarship opportunities and trying to galvanize their decisions regarding their majors. Nelson introduced them to three “P”‘s…People, Possibilities & Punctuality.
I can honestly say that I would not be where I am today if it had not been for the guidance and mentor-ship of Nelson McCoy. I am currently a college graduate working in the labor field with political aspirations. Since meeting Mr. McCoy almost eight years ago, I have been able to focus my ambitions and create tangible goals myself in order to properly prepare for an exciting post-graduate life.
While in high school, Mr. McCoy charged me to push myself past the expectations that were common to young black men growing up in Jacksonville. College was always in our discussions and he used whatever motivators he could to inspire myself as well as others. I always knew that I would accomplish great things but I can honestly say that Mr. McCoy help hone my ambitions and funneled them towards collegiate life.
As a first generation college student, I grew up in a home where college was a topic that was not brought up often. I knew I was going but I had no one steering me in the direction to make sure that I got there. Under Mr. McCoy’s mentoring and leadership I had all the resources I needed to give me that drive to want to go to college and to do what I needed to do to get there.
Nelson McCoy is one of the most important people in my life. His teachings and life lessons have really made an extreme impact on me. He’s an inspiration, I respect him as a father or brother I never had.