Student Voices

Elizabeth Kryca, '13

Meet Elizabeth

"The Education Department has met all of my expectations."

Hometown: Algonquin, Ill.

Major: Education

Minor: Mathematics

Career Goal: To become an elementary teacher

Elizabeth Kryca, ’13, decided that she wanted to become a teacher during her senior year of high school. Her love of helping other students with their homework and her natural inclination to work with children inspired her to pursue a career in education.

"It had just hit me and I knew that I would love my career choice," she said.

After talking with some of her high school teachers, she decided to look into Carthage's education program. The department stood out to her because of the student-to-professor ratio, which is low, despite education being one of Carthage's most popular programs.

"I had heard so many great things about Carthage's education program and many teachers had suggested looking into it," Elizabeth explained. "I also really liked how professors had the time to get to know their students and their learning abilities."

One of Elizabeth's favorite Carthage experience was her 2011 J-Term trip to Guatemala. She has also had great opportunities on campus, taking courses that have opened her mind and expanded her horizons.

Elizabeth credits Carthage's education professors for the success of their students. She says that they are extremely helpful, and open to networking.

"Having professors who will bend over backwards to help students" is one of the department's greatest strengths, she said. "The Education Department has met all of my expectations."

On-campus involvement: "I am involved in Habitat for Humanity, Alpha Lambda Delta, Student WEA (Professional Development Committee Head), Intern Positive Alternative Center (PAC), Pi Lambda Theta Honor Society, and am currently pledging Pi Delta Chi."

Favorite professor: "Honestly, all of my professors that I have had have been amazing. So there really isn't a favorite professor. However, the professor that I remember most is Marilyn Ward. She is just so full of life and is just so fun. I want to be just like her when I become a teacher."

Favorite class: "Heritage I has been my favorite class so far. It was due to the professor. He was absolutely amazing! It was Professor Klyve. He isn't here anymore unfortunately; however, he made me love Heritage. He was so intelligent and made the class so enjoyable. I will never forget that class."

Toughest class: "My toughest class was Sociology 1000. It was an awesome class and I really enjoyed it and learned so much from that class yet, there was so much information that it was difficult to remember everything."

Favorite moments at Carthage: "I have met some of my best friends here that I know we will be friends for the rest of our lives. Also, the J-Term trip was an awesome moment at Carthage. Obtaining an internship to work with at-risk kids."

Favorite spot on campus: "I really enjoy going to the chapel. It is just so peaceful and relaxing and when I am in there, it's like the entire world doesn't exist. That the world just stops for moment and I am able to just sit there and absorb everything."

Advice for students considering your major: "Don’t make your career choice based off of money. Whatever you pick, you will most likely be doing for the rest of your life, so choose something that you will enjoy and look forward to doing. Also, plan ahead and get to know the education professors. They will help you through everything."

— Elizabeth Reinhardt, '12

Student Voices

Katie Crimmins, '12

"The experience I am getting in the field is far beyond what I had expected. When I am finished with my courses, I know I will feel well-equipped to student-teach because of the experiences Carthage has provided for me."
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Brian Beske, '12

"The Education Department is one of the largest departments at Carthage. That being said, I have never felt like a mere number or some student."
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Elizabeth Kryca, '13

Elizabeth believes that "having professors who will bend over backwards to help their students" is one of the Education Department's greatest strengths.
Read more ...

Mallory Finnigan, '13

"I would wish to have an impact in as many of my future students’ lives and be that teacher that they come back and visit to say I made a difference."
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Read student voices from graduated students.