Hey everyone!
I am Mark J Huneycutt and I am 18 years old. I'm from Hendersonville, NC. I am enrolled at North Carolina State University studying Mechanical Engineering. I really like biking and it's something I miss doing in the mountains. I enjoy ultimate frisbee, backpacking, swimming, running, tennis, basketball, and most other sports. Hopefully next year I can be on the State club or swim team. Another hobby of mine is flying in which I hope to attain my license during Winter break.
My mom is Resource Development Director for Habitat for Humanity so she found out about Bike and Build through her work. When I heard about it I was 17 and was kind of sad I couldn't do it that summer, but here is my opportunity!
I have been a part of Habitat for a long time and I understand their mission is very important. I want to help build homes for those living in substandard conditions, whether it is through raising money or physically building them myself. Making a difference and just giving families opportunities to bring their kids up, and themselves, in a healthy environment is important. I believe in the Christian view of applying my own life by helping and giving to others - something that is important for this whole world to do. Whether it is for Habitat for Humanity or any other organization I hope to help change people's lives one house at a time, or by any other beneficial means.
I have been volunteering ever since I was a young kid with my mom at Habitat, whether it be sweeping the floors when I was bored at a younger age or driving the company vehicle for pick-ups and deliveries during my high school years. I have led a 5k race on my mountain bike for my teacher back at home and helped out with a few other races. I have tutored students in the National Honors Society and I have taught kids at a nearby elementary school in my hometown. I have also volunteered with Council on Aging, Kiwanis, and Rotary.
Costs of living in my town are expensive because it is a retirement community. Many houses have been made through Habitat in a development called Shuey Knolls to correct this problem. It is located in Edneyville, NC.
I have not traveled much so being able to see other places, especially by bike, will be a lot of fun. I'm not really nervous because I love adventure so I'm ready for all the new places that are coming my way.
Some of my inspirations came just from hearing about it from my mom. I also remember telling my biker pals back in middle school and high school that I will someday trek across the US on my bike and they never believed me. At most, it is more of a self inspiration to help others and bike across the country!
Ready to hit the road!
