Student Voices

Carin Roeske, '10

Major: English
Minor: Secondary Education
Hometown: Spring Grove, Ill.

During Carin Roeske's sophomore year at Carthage, Paul Zavada, a professor in the education department, told her about the Wisconsin Early Autism Project, a therapy system for young autistic children. "I decided to check it out, and have now been working with them for almost two years," Carin said. "Because of Professor Zavada, I have discovered a true passion in the field of autism and a job that allows me to work with these children every day."

Other professors have also guided Carin during her years at Carthage. Carin plans to become an English teacher at the high school level, so she is majoring in English and minoring in secondary education.

"Carthage is very well respected for both the liberal arts and its teaching program," she said. "I also loved the feeling of the small class sizes; I feel there is much more room to grow when I can express myself to professors and my peers in class. ... The English department’s professors are well-versed in their field. Each professor has a specialty. At the beginning of every new semester I look forward to learning what my professors' specialties are."

Favorite professor: "I really enjoy both Professor Michie's and Professor Smiley's classes and personalities. They are about as different as can be, which makes for an interesting semester when you have them both."

Favorite class: "I loved my ENG 306 class, Faulkner in His Time with Professor Michie. Faulkner is such a good story-teller! One could also say that Faulkner is one of Professor Michie's specialties, which made reading the books that much more entertaining. There were only eight students in that class, so we had a lot of fun with the professor."

Toughest class: "I'm not sure about the toughest, but The History and Structure of the English Language has definitely been the most demanding so far. I'm about to begin Senior Seminar though, so check back with me in a semester."

Favorite moments at Carthage: "Well, trying to make it to class in 15 inches of snow may not have been fun at the time, but it's hilarious to look back on now. Also, last spring, I was elected the secretary of the Carthage Chapter of Student WEA (the Student Wisconsin Education Association). Through Student WEA I have met some awesome people (including my wonderful roommates), have created more hilarious memories, and developed myself into a teacher."

Favorite spot on campus: “In the winter, it is definitely Starbucks. There’s nothing that will warm you up — and keep you awake in class! — like a nice cup of coffee that you can even swipe for!”

Career goal: "I hope to begin teaching English as soon as I graduate from Carthage. Eventually, I would love to write a book about my experiences in ballet."

Biggest surprise: "I can't believe how fast it has gone! Only one more semester until student teaching?!? Woah!"

Student Voices

Maeve McFadden, '12

"Professors will push you to delve deeper and deeper into a text until your mind is blown at the level of sophisticated analysis you've just reached."
Read more ...

Read student voices featuring graduated students.

Student Work

Creative Writing. Creative writing students create a chapbook of their work. Read excerpts from student chapbooks.

Student Theses. The senior thesis, written during Senior Seminar, is an English major's most ambitious project. Read summaries of past students' work.