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“I was born and raised in Kenosha, so I was always aware of Carthage being an option for me. What sold me was seeing my sister, who graduated from Carthage in 2023, have such a great experience here. She met lifelong friends, had lots of opportunities to travel, and made lasting connections with professors and staff, all while receiving a very hands-on education. I’ve always looked up to my sister, and I’m glad I was able to follow in her footsteps and attend Carthage as well.”

“My favorite class at Carthage so far has been Creative Writing. I’ve always been a big reader since kindergarten and fell in love with writing in middle school. When I was browsing classes, I knew I needed to take Creative Writing. This class was unlike anything I’ve ever taken before. I went on nature walks, practiced sensory writing, and was pushed outside my writing comfort zones. It was the best experience. I learned so much about myself and others through sharing our chapbooks, and I still have my chapbook printed and saved in my room to this day.”

“I am involved with many musical groups on campus, including Jazz Ensemble, Wind Orchestra, Philharmonic Orchestra, and Pep Band. I like to push myself out of my comfort zone and challenge myself, and these groups let me do that. I’ve met so many new people in these ensembles, many of whom are non-music majors and play music for fun like me! Carthage’s Pep Band is a special group led by student conductors. We play at home football games in the fall and at basketball games in the winter. It is also an on-campus job, so I get to play the music I love with great people while getting paid to showcase my hard-earned talent.”

“I have had the opportunity to go on two J-Term study tours. In January 2024, I traveled to Japan with the Carthage Wind Orchestra, and in January 2026, I went to Germany and Austria with the Carthage Philharmonic Orchestra. These trips showed me that I have a place in the music community at Carthage, even though I am not a music major or minor. They welcomed me with open arms, and through the Music Department, I have met my closest friends.”

“My favorite spot on campus is the A. F. Siebert Chapel. If I’m not at home or in class, I can always be found at the tables there, just doing homework or reading. I love how quiet the chapel can be one moment and full of life the next. I can catch events and rehearsals one hour, then the next I’m in comfortable silence. I also really appreciate the generous Center for Faith and Spirituality staff and how welcoming they are, regardless of how you identify spiritually. I always appreciate my passing conversations with Pastor Adam Miller-Stubbendick and anyone else who walks through.”

“As a commuter during my first semester, I struggled with feeling like I belonged at Carthage. During my first J-Term, I went on a trip to Japan, where I only knew one person. By stepping out of my comfort zone, I made many new friends and acquaintances by the end of the trip. They helped me realize that campus was also my space to have fun, make memories, and relax, even though I would drive back to my house at the end of the night. My advice is to push past that moment of discomfort and put yourself out there — I promise you can make Carthage feel like your second home too.”