Carter lives on his own and supports himself financially. It hasn’t always been easy.

While attending Ohio State, he faced serious personal challenges outside the classroom—experiences that derailed his academic path and pushed him to a breaking point.

His recovery started with a small but powerful moment of belief.

An opportunity with Honda reminded Carter that he was capable—that someone saw potential in him and wanted him to succeed. That affirmation became his first step forward.

The next step was academic.

Cleveland State University offered Carter the chance to prove—to himself—that he could return to school and thrive. Scholarships made that possible. Without them, he would have needed to work additional hours, pulling focus and energy away from his studies. Instead, Carter was able to prioritize his mental well-being and his coursework.

Today, Carter is doing well academically and earning strong grades. He’s also built something he once struggled to find: meaningful connections. At Cleveland State, those relationships go beyond surface-level socializing and provide a sense of belonging that has strengthened both his confidence and his success.

For Carter, Cleveland State represents more than a transfer—it represents belief, stability, and a second chance to succeed.