in sociology-social inequities in May 2020, works as a client services advocate at OASIS (Opposing Abuse with Service, Information and Shelter) - a nonprofit organization serving Watauga and Avery counties.
She was very influential to me and helped me realize potential I didn’t think I had.”Ĭarter Blue ’20, who graduated summa cum laude from Appalachian State University with a B.S.
Ellen Lamont, associate professor in App State’s Department of Sociology, gave her “a language to describe things I’d experienced and heard about my whole life. “The coursework was interesting and I felt I was learning things that were relevant to me.”īlue said classes she had with Dr. A class about families and intimate relationships, taught by senior lecturer Kristin Ivey in the Department of Sociology, resonated with Blue. Discovering a passion for righting social injusticeīlue said she’d been interested in social issues while in high school in Chapel Hill, but said she wanted to “test the waters” before declaring a major as a first-year student at App State. It is important to start the discussion early, in middle school,” Blue said. “We talk to the students about respect in relationships - what’s healthy and what’s not. She also works with the rape prevention education coordinator at OASIS to teach a class to seventh graders at Hardin Park School in Boone. It is rewarding when we see folks leave our shelter and not return to their abuser, breaking the cycle of violence,” Blue said.
“Serving at the shelter is an opportunity to make a direct impact, because we’re providing safety for people who are in danger for their lives. In her job, Blue engages in crisis support services with clients, connects people to other agencies and resources, acts as a medical advocate for sexual assault victims and serves at the OASIS housing shelter. Ellen Lamont, associate professor in App State’s Department of Sociologyīlue, who graduated summa cum laude from App State in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in sociology-social inequities and a minor in Spanish, was hired by OASIS after completing an internship there. “What sets Carter apart is her ability to think both critically and analytically - but also compassionately - about the social issues she wishes to address.”ĭr.