Author Alton Carter recently visited Cross Timbers Elementary students to talk with them about the importance of goal setting, dreaming big and believing in yourself. Carter, a former foster child wrote the book "The Boy Who Carried Bricks" detailing his life in foster care where he describes the abuse he was subjected to and his struggle toward a much desired high school graduation. A graduate of Oklahoma State University, Carter worked as a police officer before moving into the field of youth ministry. He now serves as the director of youth ministries at First United Methodist Church in Stillwater.
Students talked one on one with Carter about ways to overcome obstacles that life presents and ways that students can be thankful for the helpful adults that enter their lives on a daily basis. His message also reminded students of the importance of accepting that sometimes things will be tough but to never give up and keep pushing through. Carter's latest book "Aging Out" continues the story of his quest for a college degree and a respectable career after aging out of the foster care system.