Theresa Carter graduated from Columbia Southern University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. In May 2016, she received a Master of Arts in Human Service Counseling. Theresa urges people to never give up on their goals. She accomplished her degrees as a senior.
Theresa has been a part of the neighborhood watch in White Rock Hill for 35 years. Theresa is helping to spearhead an effort to make White Rock Park a state-of-the-art wildlife sanctuary park on the north side of Danville.
Theresa is an advocate against domestic violence. She was in the first class of the IALR’s leadership program. Theresa is a trained EMT-A. Along with her efforts to revitalize White Rock Park, she is part of two fundraising projects—a neighborhood sign for White Rock and 501-C status. Theresa is also pushing for curbing for the neighborhood. She feels “curbing is an asset that can improve White Rock phenomenally.”
Why is community involvement so important to you?
Community involvement is important to me because we must thrive where we are planted.
What inspires you to volunteer?
I am inspired to volunteer because I see something that needs my help and it cannot wait for someone to employ me to get it done.
How do you balance life, work, and community involvement?
I find balance by getting plenty of rest. Also, simplifying and striving helps to keep peace around me.
What is the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you?
To receive salvation through Yeshua, and not to stop there, but to ask for the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Who are your real-life heroes and why?
My real-life heroes are my children, Martina & her sister Ebony. They endure everything with me and yet, love me unconditionally.
What is it about Danville that makes it special to you?
My family and friends make Danville special to me. I’ve interacted with loving people in many places. I have relationships that span decades. How important it is to sit on the porch, laugh, talk, cry, scream, and there is someone sitting with you that shares your experiences, been there and really knows? Memories are the best gift and especially with someone.
What are you most looking forward to in 2017?
I’m looking forward to living life and dancing like no one’s watching.
Do you have a favorite quote, and if so what is it?
“When they go low, we go high.”—Michelle Obama.
What is your favorite thing to do in Danville?
My favorite thing to do in Danville is tracing our history. Sharing it with people who sometimes don’t know who they are and their positive place in history. I talk with historians like my cousin “Biscuit.” He can tell you all about the civil rights with Dr. King in the sixties. He and his sisters marched and were imprisoned.
What is your idea of happiness?
My spirituality leads me to happiness. My children and grandchildren give me the greatest joy. Family is so important. America needs to come back to family.
What are your visions for the future of Danville?
To get our history registered with the historical society. To take back our neighborhoods and invest in them. I’d like White Rock Neighborhood Park to become the north side equivalent of downtown’s Riverwalk (Dan Daniel Park). I hope people strive to be of a good character. I want our city to set the standard for excellence. When asked how we did it, our response would be — love did it, caring for others did it, respect did it, and being honorable did it.