INSPIRE

“The excitement I received from producing a body of work was like no other, and that’s how I knew the world of media was for me,” said Carter, who was raised in Columbus, GA, and attended Hardaway High School.

Carter took her passion to UNCF-member Clark Atlanta University, where she is an aspiring journalist and senior mass media arts major with a minor in history.

Carter had another experience in her youth that had a major impact on her life.

“Growing up I helped take care of my older disabled sister. Sometimes taking care of her along with my other responsibilities was overwhelming. I helped as much as possible by taking my sister to her doctor’s appointments, making sure she took her medicine and helping her navigate around our home when she did not have a nurse’s aide,” recalled Carter.

“It was clear that when it was time for college, my single mother would not have the means to assist. With the assistance of scholarships from UNCF, a financial burden was taken off me and my family. In addition to helping take care of my sister I’ve also worked since I was 16 years old. During COVID, I worked at Lowe’s and interned for CNN commentator Angela Rye all while taking 18 credits online at Clark. Sometimes I would take Lyfts to work because unfortunately I couldn’t afford a car.”

As a first-generation college student, it was important to Carter to attend an institution that would take her education as seriously as she did.

“That is why regardless of my financial situation, I chose to attend Clark Atlanta University. I went into Clark on an academic scholarship which has helped pay for my education, but beyond that, I honestly did not know how I was going to afford all four years. I knew that money was out there and that the resources were available, so every time I saw a new posting for a scholarship on the UNCF website, I was sure to apply,” said Carter.

“After applying to several scholarships, I was fortunate enough to receive scholarships from FedEx, Footlocker, Panda Express, Jack and Jill and the Eugene Craig Foundation—all which allowed me to attend Clark Atlanta completely debt free. I have been receiving scholarships from UNCF since I was a freshman. Each year I received $40,000 which equates to $160,000 over four years.”

With a financial burden being removed, Carter was able to focus on her classes and prepare for her broadcast journalism career. Her junior year she earned a place on the Dean’s List with a 3.6 GPA. She is a “Business Chronicle 20 Under 20” award recipient. She had the opportunity to be a part of Clark Atlanta’s NAACP chapter, serve as Miss Empowerment on Clark Atlanta’s UNCF Royal Court, president of the National Association of Black Journalists chapter on her campus and many more organizations. She plans to pursue a career in broadcast journalism with hopes of being an investigative reporter. As a result of her passion, she landed an internship at The Atlanta Voice.

“I plan to use my degree and the opportunities presented by the UNCF to change the slanted media currently on display and make an impact in journalism to more positively cover my community and change the narrative about African Americans,” said Carter.

“On behalf of myself and all the students that have applied and received scholarships from the UNCF, thank you for creating this amazing organization. I will forever be indebted to you,” said Carter. “I want you to know that because of the support I received from UNCF, I am completely debt free. If it wasn’t for UNCF, I would have had lots of loans. I am grateful that God saw the need for an organization like UNCF that helps students like me.”