Awardee Spotlight: Jon-Tel Carter
This interview is with the 2018 Grace Holt Award Honorable Mention Jon-Tel Carter. Carter speaks about her decision to change her major to African American Studies.
Image of Jon-Tel Carter Heading link
” I am quite astonished how influencing these classes have been to me. You wouldn’t believe how many intense conversations I have had with my family or friends about the history of African Americans or how Black women’s voice are constantly shunned out…”
| 2018 Grace Holt Honorable Mention & AAST major
Interview with Jon-Tel Carter Heading link
What is your major/minor and current standing (Junior, Senior, etc.) and why did you choose your field of study?
Jon-Tel Carter: My major is African American Studies. I am a Senior! Once I finished my freshmen year of college, I knew I wanted to change my major, even though I didn’t change it until the end of junior year. Now, not to just anything, but to African American Studies, Black studies. Why did I choose this field? Well, why not? I desire for my community to know more about themselves and their history. I beg to see Black people in their full potential; I want to see them like we were in the past, even better than that. So, I first had to educate myself so I can educate others, no matter what hue they are. My goal in life is to make a difference in peoples’ lives. Whether I plant a seed, water it, or watch it grow, I want to be impactful. After so many failures, I have realized that this is my calling. Wow, I should’ve changed my major a long time ago. (Giggles*)
What has been the most interesting class you have taken so far? How has it changed your thoughts about the world, your own career trajectory, or even your field of study?
Carter: I have taken so many interesting classes. I would have to say I have couple classes that have been my favorite. The most interesting classes that I have taken were ironically taken the same semester which was Reading Black Women Writing, The Atlantic Slave Trade, and Black Freedom Movements in the U.S.
These classes seem to ignite another fire in me. It opened my mind and made more aware of different theories, authors, and impactful groups (big and small) throughout history. It has also influenced me into deciding what subject or concentration I aim to study in the future. In addition, it has given me many ideas on what topics that I should research or even write a book about. To be honest, it has given me so many ideas/thoughts that I am currently trying to organize. I am quite astonished how influencing these classes have been to me. You wouldn’t believe how many intense conversations I have had with my family or friends about the history of African Americans or how Black women’s voice is constantly shunned out and that it will stop with me. Yes, you better believe that my favorite word is grassroots. I am more adamant about raising awareness of those small yet impactful people who made a significant difference in their lives and now my life. I am positive about the world, there is hope, my voice matters, I can make a difference, we can make a difference.