“Friends prepared me for life after high school by teaching me the importance of living life in different ways. I have many friends who did not have anything close to the school experience I had at Friends. Playing instruments, acting in theater, playing multiple sports, reading 10 plus books outside of school in a single year, working in a lab on biology projects, studying world religions, leading clubs, being part of the buddy system and so much more showed me how diverse your lived experiences can be. Once I left Friends, I took those experiences with me and wasn’t afraid to take risks and try new things.” 

Jordan Carter ’17 graduated from the University of Delaware in 2021 with a degree in Sociology. During his time in Newark, he was a member of the UD Radio team, served as a Resident Assistant during the school year and summer months, worked at the University Gym, and was a remote fitness coach for children with disabilities. Jordan continued to pursue his passion for athletics as well, competing on the Club Swim and Club Track and Field teams. 

Upon graduation, he was awarded a scholarship and fellowship in their Health Promotion program, earning his master's degree in Health Promotion last spring. Currently, he serves as a Health Promotion Specialist for the American Lung Association. Specifically focusing on youth tobacco cessation, Jordan uses health behavior change theories and models to help young Delawareans quit smoking or vaping (or prevent them from ever beginning). 

As for what he enjoys most about his current work, Jordan notes, “My current profession just makes sense to me. My job as a Health Promotion Specialist is really to promote health in the most basic sense. My population of focus is youth and the health issue is vaping and smoking. As a former coach and health behavior scientist, I want nothing more than to help the younger generation break out of unhealthy habits and behaviors to reduce vaping and smoking in their population.” 

His advice to the Class of 2024? “Friends has prepared you very well to succeed in life; however, it is up to you to apply what you have learned. You have all the tools, you just have to learn when and how to use them.”