Nevaeh Carter
Junior Nevaeh Carter is dedicated to serving her community. Hailing from South Carolina, the marketing major wants to combine her love of service and law by helping Black-owned businesses succeed. Here, we talk with Nevaeh about her journey.
Interview by Jordan Ferguson
Tell us about your time at Georgia State.
I’m originally from Columbia, S.C. I knew I wanted to leave South Carolina and travel somewhere where I could grow more. I came to Georgia State because I saw how diverse and accepting the campus is. I researched all the organizations here and what the GSU community does. I thought it would be a great school for me.
It kind of took me a while to get involved, but in my sophomore year I started to prosper and grow. I’m making more friends now and surrounding myself with people that I can call my family.
How did you go about getting more involved on campus, and what groups did you join?
I researched the different service-based organizations on campus. One of the organizations was Lifting Our Voice at Georgia State. This organization has helped me tremendously and given me a sense of family and community. We work on current issues in the community, such as food and housing insecurity. Every third Saturday of the month, the Georgia State chapter curates meals for the unhoused.
I also joined Softer Touch, a sisterhood, service, mentorship and scholarship organization. I wanted that sisterhood aspect because I am an only child and grandchild, so being around educated Black women who can uplift me while I also uplift them was a great opportunity for me. Since joining, I’ve learned more about myself as a woman and whom I want to become. My goal is to become a better woman for myself, my friends and my community.
Lastly, I am a member of the Student Alumni Association. I joined that organization because I know who I want to be once I graduate. I am connecting with alumni now and networking with them. They’re pouring into me. Once I graduate, I can do the same for students on the same path that I am on right now.
As a junior majoring in marketing, what are your plans for the future?
I plan to become a corporate attorney. Georgia State has a great law school, so I plan on staying and pursuing my law career. I fell in love with marketing and the business world when I was in DECA in high school. There are many Black entrepreneurs here in Atlanta, and I feel like that will be a great space for me. I grew up seeing a lot of Black businesses, and they weren’t always on track. I want to focus on business analytics for small businesses. I can get behind the scenes and help these businesses prosper.
How is Georgia State helping you achieve your goals and dreams?
Georgia State is open to giving second chances, and it feels like they see us. With the organizations I’m in, I’ve been growing myself professionally and putting myself out there, which can sometimes be very hard to do. The school has 50,000 students, but you still feel valued and connected to the community and professors. Everyone on campus is nice, and they want you to get involved.
What advice would you give someone considering attending Georgia State?
Be very intentional with the things you do. Life isn’t easy, and we don’t know everything, but if you move intentionally and go into everything very open-minded, you will be OK. When you come here, know that you will get that family feel, and close friends will help you on your journey. It’s your job to make sure you’re living in the now and taking those opportunities to get outside your comfort zone. Take that leap of faith and have confidence in yourself.
What is your favorite spot on campus?
I love going to 55 Park Place. I took a WomenLead course, so I have access to the study area on the 12th floor. It’s a calming place. You can look at the city skyline and most downtown and Midtown areas. Looking out at the view while doing my work motivates me. It’s almost like you’re conquering the world just sitting there doing your assignment because you know what you’re doing now will lead to success.
Another spot is the Study Commons. It’s nice seeing everyone in there getting their work done, but it’s a lively area for students to have fellowship, relax and de-stress. You may have had a hard morning, but you know you can go in there, sit back and get something from Saxbys.
