Lauren Emilee Wild
Lauren Emilee Wild
Class Year
’25
Current home
Niles, Illinois
Major(s)
Religion, Neuroscience
Current Position
Paraprofessional at Lincoln Junior High in Skokie, Illinois
Lauren Emilee Wild ’25 graduated from Carthage with bachelor’s degrees in religion and neuroscience. She now works in special education as a paraprofessional at Lincoln Junior High, where she teaches life skills to middle school students. She credits her professors at Carthage with shaping her professional path and encouraging her to consider a future in the classroom. “Carthage opened my eyes to my passion for teaching. Many of my religion professors inspired me to start educating because they were so supportive and kind,” she says. “I wanted to be like them.”
Motivated by the meaningful connections she has formed with her students and the impact of her work in the classroom, she plans to return to Carthage to earn her master’s degree in education and continue developing as an educator.
What have you enjoyed most about your career?
“I absolutely adore working with the kids. Their personalities are immense, and their passion for school is equally so.”
How has your liberal arts education benefited you?
“Carthage taught me how to problem-solve from many angles — whether it was a hard topic in my religion thesis class or an experiment in a science class. Sometimes it is hard to see or needs to be looked at from a different perspective, but there is always a solution to a problem. This skill has been crucial for me while working in special education. Sometimes students have difficulty with specific tasks, and it is important to figure out what they are struggling with so we can be successful together.”
Why did you choose Carthage?
“I chose Carthage because of its small class sizes. I really enjoyed the level of one-on-one care from the teachers. It was much easier to get help, and it felt like the teachers genuinely cared about me and my well-being.”
What Carthage professors played a part in your success and how?
“PǴڱǰ Andrea Ng’weshemi and Fatih Harpci were not only my biggest inspirations in pursuing a career in education, but also my biggest supporters. They care deeply about their students’ mental health, well-being, and ability to succeed in their classes. They are truly remarkable instructors in their field, with extensive knowledge of religion and the ability to advocate for their students.”
Tips for current Carthage students?
“Carthage is a great school to attend if you are keen on smaller classes and better one-on-one support! My biggest piece of advice for succeeding at Carthage is to take advantage of tutoring, go to your professors for help, and never be afraid to ask questions. Also, I suggest joining a sports team and/or clubs so you can get to know your classmates better and build long-lasting relationships!”