Seventeen-year-old Reid Carter might appear at first glance to be your typical high school student—an athlete with an easygoing demeanor. But beneath the surface lies a complex and deeply passionate individual whose story is as inspiring as it is layered.
Reid is currently enrolled at A.W. Beattie Career Center, studying early childhood education—a program in which he stands out as the only male student. His dedication to working with children is undeniable, and he speaks enthusiastically about how teaching positively impacts his life.
Avonews: “What inspired your passion for teaching?”
Reid Carter: “I have had some very good teachers and these teachers have encouraged me to resemble them. However I’ve also had bad teachers who have motivated me to stop that because I believe teaching is very important to building a good society.”
But teaching is just one of the many passions that fuel Reid’s life. Music holds a particularly special place in his heart. Growing up in a household filled with great music and with a sister active in chorus, Reid developed a deep appreciation for sound and self-expression. Today, he writes and produces his own music, sharing it on SoundCloud with hopes of reaching a broader audience someday. His dream? To create music that could one day play on the radio.
Life as an artist, however, is far from easy. Reid has faced criticism and judgment from peers who don’t understand his creative pursuits. But through these challenges, Reid has drawn inspiration from many, including his friend Hunter, someone he admires for staying true to himself despite adversity.
Avonews: “If you could communicate one message to future generations, what would it be, and why?”
Reid Carter: “You need time for yourself. As life goes on it becomes more distracting, and everyone needs a moment to decompress during the hard times.”
Reid’s connection to nature is another key part of who he is. He finds solace and inspiration in the outdoors, often exploring the world around him and dreaming of one day visiting Alaska to experience its breathtaking landscapes. These moments in nature, coupled with his creative passions, reflect a personality that is both introspective and adventurous.
Describing himself as outgoing, competitive, creative, and open-minded, Reid embraces life with an avidity that is hard to ignore. One of the most transformative moments in his life was his decision to quit football after nearly a decade of playing. While the choice wasn’t easy, it was necessary for his personal growth—a testament to his courage in prioritizing his well-being over societal expectations.
Avonews: “What is the best advice someone has ever given you?”
Reid Carter: “To do things only for yourself. Make time for the things you care about and don’t let your choices be decided by others.”
This principle guides not only his choices but also his aspirations. Realistically, Reid plans to major in education and become a teacher. But his heart also harbors dreams of music stardom.
Avonews: “How do you think your passions reflect who you are as a person and the legacy you want to leave behind?”
Reid Carter: “I think my passions, such as music and working with children, reflect that I am a very emotional person and I like expressing myself. I am very extroverted. I hope to leave a legacy that I was an optimistic person and that I was fun to be around. And that I was maybe slightly, a little bit, slightly good at music.”
Reid’s legacy is one of passion, optimism, and authenticity. He hopes to be remembered as someone who brought joy and energy to those around him, while also leaving a mark with his music. His emotional depth, kindness, and desire for self-expression make him a person who inspires others to pursue their own dreams, no matter the obstacles.
Reid knows that the path ahead won’t always be easy. The struggles he has faced so far are not the end but a part of the journey, and he will undoubtedly encounter new challenges as he continues to pursue his passions. And that’s okay. For Reid, struggles are not roadblocks but stepping stones, each one teaching him more about who he is and what he is capable of achieving. His resilience and willingness to embrace life’s uncertainties remind us all that it’s not about avoiding struggles—it’s about growing through them.
Reid Carter’s story reminds us that passion and perseverance go hand in hand. It’s not just his talents that stand out but his ability to face struggles head-on while staying true to himself. His life is a testament to the idea that, through self-expression and resilience, we can all make our voices heard and leave an unforgettable mark on the world.