Our stories: Walter shares the importance of going to college
As Helios Education Foundation's Director of Student Success Initiatives for Florida, Walter Jennings serves as co-lead in community investment and engagement to help improve outcomes for low-income and historically underrepresented students in Florida.
College has always been at the forefront of Walter's mind. Throughout his childhood, Walter’s parents stressed the importance of earning a college degree. They instilled in Walter and his siblings the personal, social and economic opportunities provided by higher education.
Growing up, his biggest challenges in school revolved around confidence. When Walter entered high school, he didn't feel adequate academically, let alone ready for college. With the help of Dr. Helen Johnson, a dedicated high school guidance counselor, his family and own persistence, Walter graduated high school and went on to earn a bachelor's degree in business economics from Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU).
"I had to work really hard, I had to buckle down and focus in order to make sure I was able to get into college. But when I did get into college, it was such a rewarding experience with the friends that I made, the things that I learned about myself while in the classroom, and being able to look back on the accomplishment of attaining a degree."
