Student Voices

Katie Crimmins, '12

Meet Katie

Hometown: Arlington Heights, Ill.

Majors: Elementary and Special Education

Career Goal: I want to be a second-grade special education teacher.

For Katie Crimmins, '12, the best thing about Carthage is its warm, welcoming atmosphere. The junior from Arlington Heights, Ill., knew within a few minutes of her first visit to campus that Carthage was the right school for her.

"The friendly atmosphere at Carthage is what drew me to it," she said. Here, professors and students have something rare and exceptional. "It gave me this feeling that other schools I visited did not. There is something about Carthage that is contagious and welcoming."

She chose education as her major after taking some general education courses early on in her college career.

"The education program at Carthage is pristine," she said. "The relationships that students build, not only with their professors but also with teachers in the Kenosha Unified School District, are exceptional. 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."

Katie is involved in a lot of activities at Carthage. She is a member of Student WEA and Pal ‘n Partners. She is also the treasurer of Pi Theta sorority and a member of Alpha Lambda Delta honors fraternity.

"Carthage has not only allowed me to grow as a student, but as a person as well," she said. "I have learned a ton about myself and have grown into an adult. After high school, Carthage gave me the foundation to begin the next step in my life. The experiences and opportunities provided at Carthage are truly unique and exceptional."

Throughout her schooling, Katie has been inspired by teachers and hopes to give back by being an inspiring and motivating teacher.

"The biggest goal I have for the future is helping students with learning disabilities," she said. "School can be tough and all students deserve to have school be a positive experience for them. I hope to dedicate my career to helping others."

Favorite class: "My favorite course has been my reading methods course. I have learned so much about effective ways to teach students in a creative way. It has been a lot of work, but the experiences and knowledge I am gaining from this class are exceptional, and I'm learning things that I will be able to implement in my own classroom someday."

Favorite moments at Carthage: "Some of my favorite moments at Carthage have been during Homecoming. I love how Homecoming brings everyone together — alumni, students and faculty — to support Carthage."

Favorite spot on campus: "Any bench or place where I can just sit and admire the lake. I love doing homework or just hanging out with friends outside, when the weather is nice."

Biggest surprise so far: "The biggest surprise thus far has been the lifelong friendships I have made at Carthage. Coming to Carthage I was completely content with keeping the same best friends from high school and meeting some new friends. However, the relationships I have built at Carthage are ones that will last a lifetime. Also, how quick college goes. I cannot believe I am a junior!"

Advice for students considering education as a major: "There is a quote I heard once and it helped me realize that being a teacher is what I wanted to do: 'A hundred years from now, it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove ... but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.' — Kathy Davis."

— 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."
Read more ...

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."
Read more ...

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."
Read more ...

Read student voices from graduated students.

Inspiration & Ideas

The Center for Children's Literature at Carthage, co-directed by education professor Marilyn Ward, offers future teachers valuable resources, lectures, workshops and seminars. Read more.