Today we’d like to introduce you to Salenah Cartier.
Hi Salenah, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I began my undergraduate education at the age of fourteen at Lone Star College-Kingwood, following the completion of my high school curriculum. At the age of sixteen, I received an associate’s degree of science in biology from Lone Star College. Following the completion of my associate degree, I transferred to the University of Houston during the fall of 2019. At the age of seventeen, during the fall of 2020, I received a bachelor’s degree of science with a major in psychology and a minor in human development and consumer sciences. In addition to the bachelor’s degree, I also received a certificate in corporate entrepreneurship. During the spring of 20201, I will begin a Master of Education program in curriculum and instruction at the University of Houston-Main Campus. My research interests include educational performance and development in relation to early life exposure to adversity.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
I faced many obstacles and challenges during my undergraduate education. During my first two years of college, I was entirely responsible for my educational expenses. In order to afford the privilege of pursuing higher education, I pursued multiple entrepreneurial ventures. I resold used textbooks on e-commerce websites, and I tutored students in grades K-12, college, and professional programs. Being fourteen years old and independently managing my earnings were somewhat difficult. I knew the significance of paying for my education, and I was not going to allow anything to get in the way of that. However, my teenage brain had difficulties resisting the urge to purchase the latest phone or to make any unnecessary purchases. I learned a lot of great life lessons at an early age, and overall, I am beyond grateful to have succeeded regardless of the adversity that I faced.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am the youngest student to graduate from the University of Houston’s class of 2020, at the age of seventeen. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree of science with a major in psychology and a minor in human development and consumer science, with high honors. I also received a certificate of corporate entrepreneurship from the C.T Bauer College of Business. At the age of sixteen, I earned an associate’s degree of science in biology from Lone Star College-Kingwood. While attending the University of Houston, I was placed on the Dean’s List every semester for my academic performance. Following the completion of the master’s program that I am currently enrolled in, I will pursue a doctoral degree. I plan on becoming a researcher in the field of developmental neuroscience and a professor. In addition to my career goals within the field of academia, I plan on running for President of the United States. For that goal, I will have to wait until I am 35. However, I will participate in local elections prior to then. I believe that what sets me apart the most, would be my outlook and mindset. Maintaining an open outlook and a growth-focused mindset is essential to achieving any goal in uncharted territory. Without maintaining a growth-focused mindset, I would not have been able to become a seventeen-year-old double degree holder. I am always open to growth opportunities and seeking new ways to acquire knowledge. If I believe that I am capable of performing on a higher level, I will apply myself and try. I also certainly believe that I am capable of anything that I set my mind to, and therefore, I will succeed.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
In the next 5-10 years, I know that there will be many changes made within the field of education. If we take a look at the trends within the educational success rates among underrepresented communities, there has been a major increase over the past five years in the number of degrees conferred. I know that with more early intervention programs implemented and enough advocates, this trend will continue and we will one day live in a world where everyone is equally represented in all areas.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/salenahcartier/
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