Makenzie Baker
Makenzie Baker
Class Year
’27
Hometown
Pecatonica, Illinois
Major(s)
Nursing
Nursing major Makenzie Baker ’27 has formed many personal connections with her professors and classmates at Carthage. With this ongoing support system, Makenzie gained the confidence to take on leadership roles across the College, including being a nursing mentor, a freshman orientation leader, a member of the , and president of the . She also takes advantage of campus resources to prepare for her future. “I used The Aspire Center during my freshman year. My advisor helped me set up my resume and start building my experience. Since then, I have used that resume to apply to various summer jobs and internship opportunities,” she says.
Outside of academics, Makenzie enjoys Carthage’s proximity to downtown Kenosha. She especially likes walking down to Simmons Island Beach during the warmer months and stopping by Anna’s on the Lake for coffee. She also loves Kenosha’s quick access to both Chicago and Milwaukee. “I try to go to downtown Chicago at least once a year because I love that area,” she says. “I also try to go to different places in Milwaukee.”
Check out five reasons to love Carthage’s location
Why Carthage?
“I chose Carthage for the small class sizes, lake views, and the amazing nursing program. Carthage offers a direct-admit nursing program that starts in the sophomore year. The commitment of close relationships with professors and hands-on experience gave me great insight into what my future would hold. Carthage was also a good distance from home.”
Favorite class
“My favorite class at Carthage has been Mental Health with Professor Rachel Martinez. I never really had an interest in mental health before taking the class, but I learned the importance of being educated in it. Getting to hear Prof. Martinez’s stories in class really sparked my desire to learn more about mental health and how I can help patients in my future nursing career. My experiences at our mental health clinical site really opened my eyes to how impacted our community is and the importance of helping those who are struggling.”
Toughest class
“The toughest class I have taken was Pharmacology. This class was very intense and fast-paced, focusing on memorization and application. In the end, it has helped me a lot with my other advanced classes, and I will carry the knowledge I gained into my future career.”
Campus involvement
“I am the current president of the Carthage Association of Nursing Students (CANS), a nursing mentor, a member of , a freshman orientation leader, and a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS).
Career goal
“My goal is to become a registered nurse. I am still debating on a specialty, but I am considering wound care or pediatrics.”
Favorite spot on campus
“My favorite spot on campus is the Hamar Patio. I love grabbing a coffee from Starbucks and finding a spot on the outdoor patio to study or to look out at the lake.”
Favorite memory
“Among my favorite memories at Carthage are Homecoming and Family Weekend, spent with my family and friends. I also enjoy being a freshman orientation leader. I like creating new friendships and showing everyone around campus during orientation.”
Best study tip
“Some of my best study tips for other students are to study with your friends and make it fun! Studying can become exhausting, but when it becomes a routine with your best friends, it can become enjoyable.”
Best tip for making friends
“My best tip for making friends at Carthage is to get involved, especially during freshman year. Try to do everything you can, even if it’s out of your comfort zone. Some of my best friends were made by attending events that were totally outside of my comfort zone.”
What would your 8-year-old self think of you now?
“When I was 8 years old, I didn’t know what I wanted to be. I never thought I would be able to excel in college, let alone in such a tough major. I think my younger self would be very proud of me and how far I have come today.”