For Mark and Jessica Carter, their newborn daughter symbolizes a new life, big dreams and a world of hopes for tomorrow.

For society, Macy Carter represents a yet-to-be named or defined generation — a generation that will lead America into the future.

The Carters of Vidalia welcomed Macy on Jan. 27, a day Mark, 27, and Jessica, 28, both say changed their lives forever.

“Once she was here, and Dr. (Frank) Guedon held her up, tears just came to both of our eyes. We looked at each other and said, ‘We are parents,’ and that was very surreal but so amazing,” Jessica said wiping tears away from her eyes.

Although they’ve only had her around for a month, Macy’s parents and grandparents, Mark Carter Sr. and Mary Ann Carter, already have big hopes and dreams for their little girl.

Society needs her too. She’s likely a part of what will become the smartest, most connected generation to live in America. She’ll have opportunities that her parents did not, but to Mark and Jessica, education, values and a sense of family are the most important things they can provide to Macy.

Mark and Jessica say Macy’s education is one of the most important things they will focus on. Mark attended Cathedral School and so did his mother, Mary Ann.

Jessica is a teacher at Cathedral, and she said she likes the fact that Macy will be able to attend the same school her father and grandmother attended.

“I really value that she is going to be able to go to the same school and get the same great education that they did,” she said.

As long as Macy receives a good education, Mark said it does not matter what she chooses to do in life so long as she is happy.

“The most important thing is that she is happy,” he said. “I will support her no matter what she decides to do, whether it is to be an athlete, a dancer, an artist, or anything else she wants to be.”

Mary Ann said with all the various interests and talents in the family, she thinks her granddaughter will be very well rounded.

Mark and Jessica hope to share their love of tennis with Macy, and Mark Sr. said he wants to share his outdoor hobbies with his granddaughter.

“I think she’ll be a duck hunter,” he said laughing.

The Carters also hope Macy picks up a few important family traits and values.

“Honesty is the most important thing to me,” Mark said.

Jessica said one thing her parents always taught her was to work hard at everything she did.

“They taught me to do the best I can, and I want to teach Macy that and to always follow her dreams,” she said.