Carlton M.

My name is Carlton and I go by CK. I am an indigenous Liberian. I am one of seven children raised in a rural community where my parents have worked tirelessly to provide for our basic needs. My journey through secondary school took turns, however, I persevered in spite of lack of funds, unavailable classes and resources, and countless family hardships. My family suffered a complete setback when my father contracted the Ebola virus and was taken away to the quarantine center. I see now how this scary and uncertain time in life cultivated in me reliance on God and a deeper prayer life.

Since I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior, my life has not been the same. I reflect on my former life and see a young man who was prideful, arrogant, and dishonest. At Young Life camp, I saw and felt what it meant to be loved by Jesus; God is now growing in me the fruit of the Spirit: love, obedience, gentleness and kindness. Now, as a Young Life leader, I am preaching Christ to others and helping them grow in their faith.

After navigating such opposition to complete my secondary schooling, I am humbled to receive the Developing Global Leaders scholarship and to be the first in my family to attend university. I am studying public health at African Methodist Episcopal University. With the help of this degree, I will be able to get a job to earn money and help my family. I hope to play an important role in the improvement of health and living standards by providing awareness and empowerment through programs that will help my community and my country at large.