Where Are They Now: Carlethia–Arete’s First Scholar

When Arete Scholars awarded its very first scholarship, the recipient was a determined young woman named Carlethia. At the time, she did not know how life-changing that opportunity would be, but looking back now, she sees it as the foundation of everything that followed. That scholarship opened the door for her to attend Savannah Christian Preparatory School, an experience she says set the tone for her entire future.

"Savannah Christian really prepared me for college," Carlethia reflects. "The classes, the teachers, and the whole focus on readiness made me more than prepared. I felt like I had an advantage compared to some of my peers, and I will always be grateful for that opportunity."

Her time at Savannah Christian was not just about academics. She still remembers the small but meaningful moments that made her high school years special, like the freedom of senior year when her schedule allowed her to leave early most days. That flexibility gave her a taste of independence, a feeling that she was being trusted to manage her own time and responsibilities. "That was one of my favorite parts of high school," she says with a smile. "It gave me the freedom and space to get everything done, but also to grow up a little before stepping into college."

Carlethia graduated in 2015, confident in her preparation and excited for what was ahead. She enrolled at Albany State University that fall, determined to study criminal justice. By 2018, she had earned her bachelor's degree, something she describes as both a milestone and a launching pad. But as so many new graduates discover, the transition from college to career was not easy.

"I went through a period of post-grad depression," she admits candidly. "A lot of people go through it, but it hit me really hard. I felt kind of lost, trying to figure out my place."

Her first job out of school was at a dentist's office, not exactly where she envisioned herself. But she kept applying for positions in her field, determined to put her degree to work. Eventually, she was hired to work in the prison system.

"I worked in the prison system for two years before moving into probation," she explains. "Not everyone in probation has that background, but I do. It gave me a perspective that makes me better at my job. I get to see people both incarcerated and post-incarceration, and that helps me make a real difference."

That difference is at the heart of why Carlethia loves her work. Now serving as an Assistant Chief Community Supervision Officer, she meets people at some of the hardest points in their lives and walks alongside them as they try to move forward.

"In this role, you never know the impact you might have," she says. "Sometimes people will come back and say, 'Thank you for putting me in jail. I needed that.' It may sound strange, but those moments show me the impact of accountability and support. Watching people change over time, seeing their growth, that is what keeps me going."

Still, she has not stopped growing herself. Carlethia returned to Albany State to pursue her master's degree in criminal justice with a concentration in public administration. She is looking forward to graduating soon and is excited about the professional opportunities ahead. "I am really looking forward to continued growth, both personally and professionally," she says. "There are so many opportunities for advancement, and I want to be ready for them."

Reflecting on her journey, she sees Arete's role everywhere. "Because of Arete, I had the opportunity to go to Savannah Christian. I truly believe that experience made me more than prepared for college. I will tell anyone that. The courses, the teachers, even the college readiness classes, all of it gave me an advantage. I saw the difference when I compared myself to some of my peers who struggled. I was like, 'Why are you struggling with this? I already know how to do it.' That was Arete's impact."

As Arete celebrates 15 years of transforming lives, Carlethia carries a special place in that history as the very first student to receive a scholarship. To her, that fact is both humbling and motivating. "It gives hope and inspiration to know there are opportunities out there," she says. "Not everyone gets them, so when you do, you cannot take them for granted. You have to make the best of it."

She offers heartfelt gratitude to the donors who made her scholarship possible. "First and foremost, thank you," she says. "There are not enough ways to say it. You may not know the individuals you help, but your generosity changes lives. It takes a village, and your support proves you want to see people do better. It speaks volumes about your character. I would not be where I am without you."

To today's students, her advice is clear and hard-earned. Set goals, use every resource, and never waste an opportunity. "Be grateful and take advantage of what you are given," she urges. "Every class, every teacher, every mentor, it is all there for you to use. Years from now, you will be able to look back and see just how much of a difference it made."

Carlethia knows because she is living proof. From Arete's very first scholarship to her growing leadership in the criminal justice system, she carries the impact of opportunity forward every single day, changing lives just as hers was changed.