FOSSI | Meet Carlton Carter: 2021 FOSSI Scholar Attending Southern University and A&M College

Meet Carlton Carter: 2021 FOSSI Scholar Attending Southern University and A&M College

December 31, 2021

FOSSI: Tell us a bit about yourself.

My name is Carlton Carter. I was born in Tampa, Florida. My parents are Samuel and Tanya Carter.  I am the middle child of three children.  I am a current two sport (Football and Track) Varsity scholar athlete.  My hobbies are sketching, reading, playing video games, and making video edits.  The most important people in my life are my family.  Throughout my life, I have been faced with a lot of adversity.  I have used those experiences as catalysts to defy the odds and display my resilience.  I know my worth and look forward to using my abilities and accomplishments to help and encourage others.  

Why are you passionate about pursuing a degree in a STEM-related field?

I believe that STEM is important to societal innovation and progress as it stimulates creativity, research, critical thinking, problem solving, and new innovations which helps in powering the economy, producing economic growth, and strengthens our stability.  I want to be a part of making life better for people. One of my favorite quotes by Gandhi is "Be the change you wish to see in the world."

The concept of troubleshooting, creating something new, and seeing the fruits of your labor produce change and stability for society is very rewarding to me.

FOSSI: Fast forward – where do you see yourself in ten years?

In ten years, I see myself as a CEO in a leadership role charged with directing a team of future innovators.  My goal is to make an influential impact, by way of design, problem solving, and creativity, that will benefit society and have a lasting impression on generations for years to come.  

FOSSI: Share a few fun facts about yourself.

  • I am the first African American student at any middle school in Columbia County, to receive The Johns Award, sponsored by the Columbia County West Rotary Club.  Students eligible for the award must exhibit citizenship, respect to classmates and teachers, obtain good grades, and “be willing to go the extra mile.” Johns Award recipients are chosen by teacher vote.
  • I used to swim competitively until the age of 12  and swam all four strokes. 
  • I played baseball since the age of 9 up until my Junior year of high school.
  • Aerospace, transportation and chemicals have always interested me.