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“Carthage had everything I was looking for when choosing a college. From the beginning, faculty and staff gave me guidance on the best path for my goals and made the application process feel simple. Beyond academics, Carthage offers a friendly, welcoming environment. Everyone genuinely wants to see me succeed and is always available when I need help. Also, the campus is beautiful! From walks down Campus Drive to having Lake Michigan just steps from class, the setting makes the experience even more special.”

“Every professor I’ve had at Carthage truly has a passion for what they do and will go out of their way to see their me succeed. Because of the small class sizes, it’s easy to build real connections with faculty. They recognize my strengths, challenge me when needed, and push me to think beyond the assignment. I’ve had professors take the time to connect course concepts to my career goals, which has made what I’m learning feel relevant and purposeful. They’ve also created an environment where asking questions and making mistakes are part of the learning process, which has helped me grow both academically and personally. Because of these relationships, I’ve felt more confident in my abilities and better prepared for my future.”

“One of my favorite classes at Carthage so far has been General Chemistry II. I especially enjoyed learning from Professor Christine Blaine because her teaching style made a big impact on me. The way she explained complex concepts, along with her organized notes and real-world connections, made the material much easier to understand. During the course, I felt comfortable asking questions, and really learned the content, rather than just memorized it. Because of this course, chemistry has become one of my favorite subjects, which I didn’t expect coming into college.”

“I am a member of the . I grew up playing volleyball and now coach, and it’s something I’ve always loved, so being able to continue playing in college for fun has been really meaningful for me. It gives me the chance to get on the court, stay active, and enjoy a sport that has always been a big part of my life. I also enjoy the opportunity to meet and spend time with other students who share the same interests.”

“My career goal is to become a chiropractor, combining my background in psychology and health to take a more holistic approach to patient care. I want to help individuals not only manage pain, but also improve their overall well-being and quality of life.”

“My favorite spot on campus the Hamar Patio. When the weather is nice, it’s such a great place to sit and enjoy the beautiful view of Lake Michigan. It has a peaceful, refreshing feel while still being right in the heart of campus life. It’s one of my favorite places to study, spend time with friends, or take a break between classes and soak in the fresh air. It’s a spot that always feels calm, happy, and energizing at the same time.”

“My best study tips are to focus on understanding the ‘why’ behind the material instead of just memorizing it and to connect what you’re learning to real-life examples to help it stick. I also find that studying in short, focused sessions and teaching the material out loud are really effective. Having Starbucks right in Hedberg Library definitely helps make those study sessions a little more productive, too.”

“As a commuter, I’ve found that staying on campus between classes and spending time in places like the library or student center makes a big difference. Friendships often start from sitting next to the same people in class and naturally talking before lectures or while working on group projects. Even simple things like asking someone about an assignment, studying together before an exam, or walking to class in the same direction can turn into conversations that build real connections over time.”

“My advice is to stay curious and really engage with the material beyond the classroom. Ask questions, participate in discussions, and look for ways the concepts show up in everyday life. Building those connections makes the subject even more meaningful and enjoyable. Plus, the professors are very engaging and bring a lot of energy into lectures, creating an interactive and approachable learning environment.”

“If I think back to when I was 8 years old, my younger self would be both surprised and proud of where I am today. As a first-generation college student, I wasn’t always sure what a path to college or a career would look like, and although I loved learning, I often wondered whether I could handle it. Now, studying psychology at Carthage and working toward a future in healthcare, I feel like I’m on a path that reflects that early love of learning in a more focused way. I think my 8-year-old self would be excited to see me pursuing a career that involves working with people in a hands-on, meaningful way and being part of their growth and everyday well-being.”