Ryeshia Farmer

“I would like to do some form of political writing such as writing for magazines, legislation, or editorials, but I will probably attend graduate school for political science first.”

“Prof. Pamela Smiley taught one of the English classes I took as a freshman, and she is now my academic advisor. She has been nothing but supportive since I’ve started in her classroom. She has helped me get scholarships, has written recommendation letters for on-campus jobs, and has offered me one of the best in-class instructions I’ve received at Carthage. She continues to guide me through my English major, and inform me of opportunities that allow me to exercise my passion for writing and make the best of my college experience.”

“I believe that Prof. Richard Heitman’s Introduction to Philosophy J-Term course has been my favorite. The readings were challenging but very interesting. I was also able to write about my own ideas in that class, which is something I most value in academics.”

“I am a sister of Kappa Phi Eta, a member of United Women of Color, vice president of Black Student Union, a Resident Assistant, and a writing fellow in our Writing Center.”

“My toughest class has been Prof. Rick Meier’s Creative Writing Studio. Although I am a writer, Meier’s course really forced me to step outside of my comfort zone.”

“This past summer, I was a field intern on a campaign for a state assemblyman in the Milwaukee district. I met some great people and learned a lot by just phone banking, canvassing, entering voter data, helping write scripts for volunteers, and running an initiative that helped our candidate gain support.”

“I’ve entered writing contests and have held leadership positions in my sorority as well as Black Student Union. I’ve also performed at big events with Carthage’s Belly Dance Club. I plan to participate in the Carthage in Chicago program and take the 2015 J-term Italy trip. Carthage has more opportunities than meet the eye and I try to take advantage of those.”

“I always love the moments when Carthage seems to come together as a whole, such as Homecoming, sporting events, or huge social gatherings and big dinners. Those boost the Carthage pride.”

“My favorite place on campus is the TARC (N. E. Tarble Athletic and Recreation Center). It’s beautiful and has so many resources for staying active.”

“Honestly, seeing so many familiar faces in one setting is surprising — so surprising that I wonder if I’m on the right campus whenever I walk into a place where there aren’t a lot of people that I know.”

“My 8-year-old self would be proud. She would think ‘Of course you’re an English and Great Ideas major, but how did you end up with political science!?’”

“Take a few classes first. It’s best to figure out what you want out of the major, and what skills you want to build so you can figure out your path before declaring it, but definitely do it!”