Character Quest

Student Voices

Lauren Hansen, '10

Major: Communication
Minors: Business Administration, Religion
Hometown: Vernon Hills, Ill.

When Lauren Hansen signed up for Character Quest two summers ago, she didn't know what she was getting into. "All I knew was that we were going into the woods for four days to learn about leadership," she says.

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"It was just life-changing. It was one of the hardest things I've done in my entire life."

Lauren Hansen, '10, president of Student Government and Character Quest participant, gives a speech welcoming the Class of 2013 at the New Student Convocation in September 2009.

Lauren had just finished her sophomore year at Carthage, and was heading into her second term as vice president of Student Government. She knew she wanted to grow as a leader — but she wasn't sure what that meant or how to do it. So she packed some essentials and headed off for an adventure.

Turns out, Character Quest was an adventure of a lifetime.

"It was just life-changing," Lauren says now of those four days in the wilderness of northwestern Illinois. "It was one of the hardest things I've done in my entire life."

She doesn't offer many details — Character Quest students tend to zip their lips so subsequent participants are surprised — but she will say this: "You're on your own. You have none of the comforts of home. You're out of your element, and you really have to depend on people that you don't know that well.

"You're wet. Your socks are wet all day; your shoes are wet. You're not showered. There are mosquitoes. There's no contact with the outside world. ... It's really a true test of character. In just four days, I grew so much."

Lauren is now president of Student Government and nearing the end of her senior year. She will graduate in May with a degree in communication, minors in business administration and religion, and a certification in leadership from the Character Quest program.

“I’m definitely grateful,” she says of her participation in Character Quest. “It’s been so valuable. It will be valuable my entire life.”

The "Commando" portion of Character Quest is the most visible component of the program. Students don camouflage and face paint, trudge through rivers, eat MREs (Meals Ready to Eat), and arm themselves with paintball guns. But the other five aspects of Character Quest are equally important, Lauren says. One Sunday each month, she attends a two-hour session to watch video case studies and discuss leadership strategies. She also meets with Character Quest founder Dean Matthews every month for an individual coaching session.

"During the coaching session, you can talk about anything: your student organization, your home life," she says. "We work through how to approach different people, how to keep people motivated, how to make people feel appreciated. ... Dean finds a way to help you come to your own conclusions. He doesn't tell you what to do, but guides you as you figure it out on your own."

Participants must also take a 4-credit course in leadership theory, be involved in a student organization or athletic team, and mentor students at a Kenosha high school.

Lauren says her participation in Character Quest has made her a more effective leader in Student Government. "I used to want to do everything and not delegate," she says. "I'm using what I learned through the program to really depend on my executive board this year. I know what my weaknesses are now, and if they're strong at something, I let them do it. It's really cool to use their strengths."



How We Learn

We retain ...
10 percent of what we read.
20 percent of what we hear.
30 percent of what we see.
90 percent of what we do.

Student Voices


Lauren Hansen, '10

“I'm definitely grateful," Lauren says of her participation in Character Quest. "It's been so valuable. It will be valuable my entire life." Read more ...


Kelsey Harrington, '11

"The ongoing classes and coaching sessions have been the most worthwhile aspect of Character Quest. ... With a monthly reminder, it is easier to stay focused and continue to grow in your leadership development." Read more ...


Ani Grigorian, '10

"By stepping up, I will be able to lead others confidently by example in the 'real world.' " Read more ...


Program Requirements