Carnelius Halmon Class of 2006

Interview by Aneara Burns. Photo by Bernadette Dare.

Friendship Public Charter School works tirelessly to make sure that alumni are connected to high quality resources after graduation. Carnelius Halmon used those resources to build his career and thrive as a STEM professional. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Halmon to talk about life after high school, his college experience, and his career path. 

Aneara: What college do you go to and what is your major?

Carnelius: I'm currently finishing my degree at North Carolina Central University in Durham, North Carolina. My major is criminal justice with concentration in law enforcement. I had to take some time off because I lost my sister and did not have the funds to complete my degree.

Aneara: What are some struggles that you dealt with in college?

Carnelius: I would say not being disciplined enough to spearhead my own degree. When I first got to North Carolina, I thought that there were going to be people around me who were going to care more about my degree than I did, and that was not the case. I had to diligently seek my degree and do all the work that comes with that: talking to financial aid, or going to the registrar's office. Those things were roadblocks for me, because I was not prepared. What I had to do was realize that my degree was my own. I had to take ownership of my education. 

Aneara: What has your career path been?

Carnelius: I’ve had an IT career for about 10 years now. I started as a technology support associate for Friendship Southeast Academy. After six years there, I was hired as the IT manager for the Law Offices of Ashcraft. I did that for about a year and realized that it's not what I wanted to do. So, I made my way back to Friendship as a technology support specialist.

Aneara: Do you think it’s important to encourage African American students to pursue a career in STEM?

Carnelius: I think it's very important for African Americans to pursue a career in STEM, especially African American women. There's a shortage of African American women in the STEM fields right now, and I believe, wholeheartedly, that we could actually take over the STEM field if we actually stay focused. We could be at the top of these careers.

Aneara: How do you feel Friendship treats its alumni?

Carnelius: I am almost flabbergasted at the way that Friendship has supported alumni and has given resources to alumni, including giving us a head start in our careers. Friendship has truly been a family environment for me, and they have really ushered and nurtured each student that has wanted to take advantage of that community. Some of the things that I never thought could happen for me have happened because of Friendship.

Aneara: What is one lesson Collegiate taught that has helped you after high school? 

Carnelius: To stay resilient, be persistent and try to achieve your goals. And, to never take no for an answer.

Aneara: What advice would you give to current Collegiate students?

Carnelius: To stay focused. Just because there's a bump in the road doesn't mean that you have to quit. Continue to try to reach your goals, and continue to keep dreaming.

Aneara Burns is a sophomore at Arizona State University.