Raekwon Carter, troche a senior at Richmond Community High School, malady has always known he wanted to go into the field of science. He plans to go to college to major in chemical engineering so that he can either create better energy sources or go into pharmaceuticals. He recently started working with autistic children in the Faison School for Autism this past summer. He said the experience sparked his interest in working with people with mental disabilities and illnesses. “I want to create a drug that will actually ‘cure’ certain diseases like schizophrenia and ADHD.”
Raekwon points to his Uncle Thomas Easter and Aunt Halena Easter as his inspiration for wanting to go into the field. He has lived with both of them since he was four years old. His uncle is a science teacher at the Faison School for Autism and his aunt is a science specialist for Richmond city schools. Raekwon said going off to college and going into the field of science would “probably be one of the ways to thank them. I decided early on in life that I’ll actually major in any science. It’s somewhat tradition because my aunt and uncle both majored in sciences, so it’s a legacy type thing.”
He also points out that both of them serve as his greatest inspiration. “My aunt is always there for me. No matter if I do bad or good, she’s always there to give me a helping hand. My uncle’s always there to push me to do better. Like, if I fail at something they’re always there. They inspired me to do what they do, but do better.”
It’s clear that Raekwon got his caring nature and ambitious attitude from both his Aunt Halena and his Uncle Thomas. In describing himself, he said his friends would say he’s always willing to lend a helping hand. “No matter what it is, if they ask me to do something I’ll do it for them.”
Raekwon’s teachers have also praised his work ethic. “Always focused and determined, Raekwon will go the extra mile to get an extra step on whatever he’s trying to accomplish,” Bernita A. Williams, Richmond Community High School counselor said. Richmond Community High School English teacher, Heather K. Crone added that “Raekwon possesses unshakeable integrity. I would trust him to handle sensitive situations tactfully and confidentially.”
With these positive character traits and great work ethic, Raekwon plans to go to college to major in chemical engineering. Out of his top three choices for school, he is leaning toward Virginia Tech for the upcoming fall because it’s more cost efficient and has his major.
