Jojo Carter ’25 is a senior born in Fayetteville, North Carolina that can proudly say that Wabash lived up to everything he wanted it to be, and more.
“I chose Wabash because it gave me a chance to play football, something I didn’t want to give up yet, and the College gave me the best offers in terms of academics and future outlook,” said Carter.
Even though Carter’s family and friends back home, including those at his high school in Bradenton, Florida, didn’t want him to attend an all-male school, Carter had made up his mind.
“I wanted to go against the grain,” said Carter. “Wabash was perfect because I realized that you must be cut from a different cloth to go here.”
Carter has dipped his toes in almost every crevice and corner of Wabash College. Just in the athletic department of Wabash, the chemistry major and economics minor has competed for the Little Giants in football, track and rugby. Carter is a proud brother of Beta Theta Pi.
“I put my hat into as many things as I could,” said Carter. “I feel like that is what it means to be a true Wabash student. You can’t just be a loner. Do as many clubs as you can and give as much as you can.”
The consequences of Carter putting his name in almost every hat are widespread.
“I know basically everyone,” said Carter. “I love just seeing people on the mall and calling their names and saying, ‘What’s up!’ Anything to make their day a little bit better.”
By no means does this personality cease when Carter walks into an academic building, especially a chemistry lab.
Walter Novak, his academic advisor and chemistry professor, smiled when he talked about Carter’s personality.
“He brings a certain energy to the classroom and to his work in the lab,” said Novak. “Jojo has an attitude that few others can match.”
Carter knows how much it is needed for some Wabash men to see a simple smile. The senior hasn’t passed through Wabash without his own testing and emotionally troubling times. Early into the last year, Carter’s mom, Juanita Freeman, was diagnosed with interstitial lung disease. It was both progressive fibrosis with volume loss and progressive bronchiectasis. Freeman was told there was a possibility she would not live longer than five more years.
“Seeing how much she wants to live for me has made me so much more willing to take the extra steps,” said Carter. “Whether it is taking and preparing for classes, pushing through a workout or watching videos to take that extra step, she gives me that.”
Carter’s mom, while still experiencing some occasional health problems, is doing much better now than initially expected, where originally she was told she had the possibility of only having five years left to live.
Carter did not let this moment of uncertainty and raw emotion anchor him down. The senior has persevered to see it instead as fuel to get through it all.
“He has helped on several projects in the chemistry lab where his work was key for us to move forward,” said Novak. “Jojo has helped us with a few of these breakthrough moments. It was really exciting for him, and us!”
After graduating, Carter has plans to become a process chemist and then hopefully become a Federal Bureau of Investigation (F.B.I) Agent.
“I want to be remembered as a funny guy who brightened up your day and helped you whenever you needed love,” said Carter.
In regards to any advice for Wabash men, Carter has one enthusiastic remark.
“3:00 a.m. talks are the best talks,” advised Carter. “In general, don’t stay in your room at Wabash. There is always someone to talk to.”