
Kendle Smith
Kendle Smith
Class Year
’27
Hometown
Elkhorn, Wisconsin
Major(s)
Social Work
Driven by a deep passion for helping others, Kendle Smith ’27 is pursuing her social work degree at Carthage with perseverance and confidence. “Social work allows me to make a real impact in people’s lives while also developing strong skills in communication, problem-solving, and empathy. It’s a field that opens doors to a variety of career paths, from school settings to healthcare and community organizations.”
Each day, she discovers new reasons to love her future career and feels grateful for the welcoming and supportive Carthage community. With encouragement from faculty, guidance from staff, and the friendship of her peers, Kendle is thriving — both academically and personally.
See 20 reasons to love Carthage
Why Carthage?
“I chose Carthage because I really liked the close-knit feel of the campus and the strong sense of community. I didn’t want to feel like just a number. Here, it feels like professors and classmates know and care about me.”
Faculty mentors
“Carthage faculty have had a major impact on my experience by being consistently supportive and approachable. They don’t just teach the material; they take time to get to know students and help guide us through academic and personal challenges. Because of that, I’ve felt comfortable asking questions, seeking advice, and pushing myself in ways I might not have at a larger school.”
Favorite class
“My favorite class at Carthage so far has been Trauma Across Social Cultures. I really enjoyed it because it opened my eyes to how trauma is understood and responded to differently depending on cultural context. The class pushed me to think critically about how history, tradition, and community shape how people cope with and heal from traumatic experiences. It also tied directly into my interest in social work and helped me see how important cultural awareness is when supporting others.”
Campus involvement
“I serve as the secretary of the (SWSA); I help with planning events, keeping records, and ensuring communication runs smoothly. I’m also recruitment chair, which has allowed me to develop leadership skills, organize events, and connect with current and potential members. These roles have helped me grow personally and professionally while building strong relationships within the Carthage community.”
Career goal
“My career goal is to become a school social worker. I want to support students academically and personally by helping them navigate challenges, access resources, and feel safe and understood in the school environment. I’m especially passionate about creating positive connections between students, families, and schools to help every child succeed.”
Favorite spot on campus
“My favorite spot on campus is Starbucks. It’s a comfortable place to study, meet up with friends, and grab a quick coffee between classes. The energy there feels welcoming and helps me stay productive.”
Favorite memory
“Some of my favorite moments at Carthage have been when I’ve connected with people through organizations and campus events. Being part of Pi Theta has given me great memories of planning events, working as a team, and celebrating our accomplishments together. I’ve also enjoyed community events like Welcome Week and campus traditions that make Carthage feel close-knit and supportive.”
Best study tip
“My best study tips are: stay organized, break assignments into smaller tasks, and avoid cramming. I’ve found that creating a schedule and sticking to it helps me stay on track. I also like to study in a consistent spot, like Starbucks, because having a set environment helps me focus. Lastly, I think taking short breaks is important; stepping away for a few minutes makes it easier to come back with a clear head.”
Biggest surprise
“So far, the biggest surprise for me has been how quickly Carthage started to feel like home. I expected the transition to college to be overwhelming, but the support from faculty, staff, and other students made it much easier. I was surprised by how many opportunities there are to get involved and how welcoming the community is.”
Advice for other students in your major?
“My advice for anyone considering social work is to come in with an open mind and a willingness to learn from others’ experiences. Be ready to challenge your perspective and always keep in mind the bigger purpose — helping others thrive.”