Katie Larson, '10

Hometown: Wheaton, Ill.
Major: Elementary Education
Minor: Spanish

Like most students who attend Carthage, Katie Larson will admit that being on the lake is an added bonus. However, she was originally drawn to the College after a visit during high school introduced her to the education program and some of the staff.

"The connection they had with their students and the small class sizes are what really drew me to the program," she said. "Our professors are very involved in student organizations on campus and they care about the success of their students. It's very comforting knowing my professors are familiar with my career path and they will be there to back me up in the future."

When Katie first started at Carthage, she intended to teach high school Spanish. By the end of her freshman year, she realized that she was passionate about teaching children. Now she is combining the two into teaching Spanish at an elementary or middle school level. She has been very involved, hoping to capitalize on the opportunities she has had.

"This summer I traveled to Argentina in order to fulfill my immersion requirement for my Spanish certification," she said. "I stayed with a family and attended a university there every day. The improvement in my Spanish skills was incredible.

"I have also had a mountain of opportunities through Carthage's education organization, Student WEA. I have been involved since my freshman year, growing in my professional development, and now hold the position of president. I am also a Student Ambassador and have the opportunity to meet prospective students, show them around campus, and tell them why Carthage is so great."

Favorite class: "My favorite classes have been my methods courses. They are a ton of work, but the experience of teaching in the classroom is what has kept me focused and excited to have a classroom of my own someday."

Toughest class: "My toughest class (within my education courses) was a math methods course. I taught four lessons on my own to a class of third-graders and probably only one of the four went as planned. I learned to always be prepared and to always be on my toes."

Favorite moments at Carthage: "Some of my favorite memories of Carthage will always be or annual Christmas Festival, jumping into the really cold Lake Michigan water, and playing in the snow outside Lentz Hall on a snow day from my freshman year."

Favorite spot on campus: "Starbucks. I'm a coffee-aholic."

Biggest surprise so far: "I'm already a senior this year. Time flies!"

— Elizabeth Reinhardt, '12

Student Voices

Miranda Szcepanski, '11

"The experience I have gained so far in lesson plan writing and methods of teaching is beyond what I expected" Read more ...

Katie Larson, '10

"The connection professors had with their students and the small class sizes are what really drew me to the program. ... It's very comforting knowing my professors are familiar with my career path and they will be there to back me up in the future.." Read more ...

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