Mary Rivas
Mary Rivas
Class Year
’27
Hometown
Spring Grove, Illinois
Major(s)
Education, Spanish
A double major in Spanish and K-12 education, Mary Rivas ’27 has taken full advantage of the opportunities available at Carthage. As a commuter student, she has found a strong sense of community among her peers in commuter-friendly spaces, as well as through music ensembles and campus clubs. Although music is not her major, continuing to pursue it in college has remained an important part of her experience — and at Carthage, she is able to do just that.
Beyond campus, Mary spent a semester abroad in Granada, Spain, where she enhanced her Spanish-speaking skills while immersing herself in the local culture and way of life. “I have learned a lot about myself and the intricacies of language while studying abroad,” she says. She also completed an internship with the Center for Urban Teaching, applying what she learned in her coursework to teach summer school classes for students in kindergarten through eighth grade. With these experiences, Mary is closer to her goal of becoming a high school Spanish teacher.
Learn more about studying abroad
Favorite class
“I enjoyed all of my Spanish courses at Carthage. I like the range of professors in the Spanish program, from Target Language Experts (TLEs) from other countries to instructors who learned Spanish as a second language. I also like that they have La Mesa Española (the Spanish Lunch Table) to help students practice their Spanish.”
Campus involvement
“I was involved with the Carthage Wind Orchestra, Pep Band, and Philharmonic ensembles. I was also a member of the , the , and the Center of Urban Teaching. And I served as president of . I will soon start tutoring Spanish and serve as president of the .”
Unique opportunities
“I had the opportunity to travel to Europe with the Carthage Philharmonic and study abroad in Granada, Spain, where I completed coursework in Spanish Grammar, Spanish Oral and Writing, Diversity of Spanish in the World, German (taught in Spanish), and Traditional Song and Spanish Society: Flamenco, Folklore, and Sephardic Song.”
Internships or campus employment
“I interned for the Center for Urban Teaching, which allowed me to teach at a summer school. I taught ELA, math, Christian faith, and Spanish at LUMIN Renaissance in Racine. I mainly taught fifth and sixth graders, but I also taught Spanish to kindergarten through eighth-grade students.”
Favorite spot on campus
“One of my favorite spots on campus is the Ehrler Hospitality Center. I often study there, use the microwave for my lunch, and grab snacks for my classes when I’m hungry. It is a very commuter-friendly environment. I met some other commuters there, too.”
Best study tip
“Teach the material to someone or explain it out loud to yourself. I was taught that you don’t truly understand something until you can teach it to someone else. By explaining it, you may raise questions for yourself, or the other person may ask questions, which will further your understanding.”
Best tip for making friends
“The best way to make friends at Carthage is to join clubs. Additionally, I met many of my friends from the campus music ensembles, so joining the performing arts is also a good way to make friends.”