Student Voices

Kristen Stangas, '10

Kristen Stangas didn't start out majoring in economics. First there was biology. Then psychology. Then social work. She took an economics course to fulfill a requirement — and found her fit.

"My life goal has always been to help people," Kristen says. "I realized that economics gave me the ability to make a difference without distracting myself with the emotional attachment there was in the other fields that I was originally interested in."

During her time at Carthage, Kristen has traveled to Turkey to study the country's economy for a J-Term study tour led by Prof. Yuri Maltsev. "I have also attended the Heartland Institute's annual Emerging Issues Conference and dinner for the past two years, and been able to meet influential figures in the economics field," she says. "As the SI (supplemental instructor) for Yuri Maltsev's Principles of Micro courses, I think that I have learned to work with him on a more professional level, rather than our normal student-professor relationship, since I am essentially responsible for reinforcing the material taught in his classes.

"Overall, I feel that all of the professors in the Economics Department have always been supportive of my personal interests and made themselves easily-accessible resources."

Career goal: "To minimize the inequalities faced by communities, both national and international, by rethinking and reconstructing public policy efforts. I am specifically drawn to exploring the effects of education on society and also the role that women play in the economy."

Favorite professor: "Yuri Maltsev. He has played a critical role in providing me opportunities to learn outside the classroom and encouraged me to openly discuss my thoughts and ideas. I feel that his life experiences have given me the opportunity to apply the concepts we learn in class to my everyday life so that I am able to gain a better overall understanding of the material."

Favorite class: "Economics of Poverty. It was a very interesting class since it focused on the social/labor economic issues that I am most interested in."

Toughest class: "Intermediate Macro."

Favorite moments at Carthage: "My senior year has been a lot of work, but definitely the most fun that I have had since I've been at Carthage. I'm the chapter president of Alpha Chi Omega, so I've been spending a lot of time enjoying and cherishing my last year here with my sisters. I also really look forward to the annual International Dinner hosted by IFS (the International Friendship Society), since I have been involved with them over the past couple of years and going to regionals/nationals with my SIFE team."

Favorite spot on campus: "Einstein's — specifically the little table right next to the fireplace that I feel should be named after me. I love coming here since it's a social location, but I still manage to accomplish all of my work. We have shared many memories — 20+ page papers, all-night test cramming and SI study sessions, but also coffee cake-eating contests, late-night talks, and Sunday night dinners, which involved jamming 10 girls at one table."

Biggest surprise so far: "How fast graduation sneaks up on you."

Student Voices

Kristen Stangas, '10

"My life goal has always been to help people. I realized that economics gave me the ability to make a difference."
Read more ...

Brian Zielinski, '11

"I feel like some prospective students of economics are discouraged from the study because they're 'afraid' of math."
Read more ...

Chumley Hodgson, '10

"If you see a professor walking around campus, they will stop and talk to you, even if you haven't had them since you were a freshman and now you're a senior. They are genuinely interested in your success."
Read more ...

Jared Fryksdale, '10

"My all-time favorite class was ECON 403 International Political Economy with Prof. McClintock."
Read more ...

Andrea Leschewski, '11

"Professors make themselves available to help students in any way possible."
Read more ...

Academic Resources

• Areas of Study
• Academic Calendar
• College Catalog
• Course Schedules
• Academic Advising

Prospective Students

• Admissions
• Viewbook
• Virtual Campus Tour
• Request Information

Carthage In-Depth

Carthage Symposium

Art Meets Biology. Students photograph biodiversity in Tucson, Ariz.

J-Term

A special month-long period of study in January to experiment, create and dream. Read more ...