Shelby Carter (’18): Building Community from FC to FCA
November 3, 2025 | 2-3 min read
For Shelby Carter (’18), Florida College was more than just a place to earn a degree; it was a way to find the community she longed for. Coming from a high school environment where she rarely saw peers who shared her faith, Carter was eager to surround herself with young Christians who could support her.
“I was craving that deep foundation to help me build my faith as my own and discover who I wanted to be in the world.”
Carter pursued a Bachelor of Arts in History and a minor in Educational Studies, but it was her internship at Florida College Academy (FCA) that further shaped her career. Though internships were only required for students majoring in Educational Studies, her advisor arranged her a placement at FCA, teaching Social Studies. During this time, Carter was given opportunities to refine her lesson planning and teaching skills, gaining valuable, real-world experience. Following graduation, this internship turned into a full-time position.
“It was incredible that I already had experience in that classroom and was familiar with the principal,” Carter said. “It was a really big moment where I felt God’s providence and knew this is what I should be doing.”
Since then, Carter has taught history to fifth through eighth graders at FCA, finding joy in connecting biblical truths to world events. Above all, she values the sense of family she has discovered at FCA. Her first group of students are now sophomores and juniors at Florida College, and she loves cheering them on as they continue their journeys.
“There are so many things that I love about teaching, but the one thing I have found incredible is the relationships I have built with these students.”
Even outside the classroom, Carter continues to serve the wider Christian family. She volunteers for A Shared Inheritance, a digital magazine that provides Bible study resources for women around the world in more than 13 languages. For several years, she has served as part of the editorial team and will soon transition into a role focused on art and design.
As Carter reflected on her time at FC, career at FCA, and role with Shared Inheritance, she commented that her driving purpose has always been building relationships and shining Christ’s light wherever she goes. She sees the connections as part of a lifelong family of faith that continues to shape her and allows her to encourage others in their walk with God.