Garrett Fales
Garrett Fales
Class Year
’16
Hometown
Algonquin, Ill.
Major(s)
Environmental Science and Religion
For a nature lover who used to swim in ponds and streams and who, in his words, was “basically a forest child,” Garrett Fales perfectly fits into the Environmental Science Program at Carthage. “The fantastic people, worldviews, and field experiences are why other students should consider my major,” said Garrett.
Through the program, he has gone on a J-Term trip to Guatemala, and has done undergraduate research on greenroofs. He also had an internship with Faith Acres Foundation, which is a faith-based food and clothing sharing center that feeds families and nourishes their spiritual lives.
After Carthage, Garrett hopes to conserve and restore the land, and help run a nonprofit, but for now he is enjoying the classes and experiences at Carthage. “There were a few times [during my classes] I just had to stop what I was doing because I was taken back by my amazing surroundings outdoors. What a blessing it is to love, and give thanks for your work!”
Career goal
“I hope to conserve and restore the land, and help run a nonprofit.”
How have Carthage faculty had an impact on your life or Carthage career?
“Sarah Rubinfeld and Tracy Gartner for always supporting me and being enthusiastic about life. Christian von Dehsen has also consistently expanded my mind, and has fueled my passions for New Testament study.”
Favorite class
“I really enjoyed my Field Botany class. There were a few times I just had to stop what I was doing because I was taken back by my amazing surroundings outdoors. What a blessing it is to love, and give thanks for your work!”
Campus involvement
“I am a part of Greek Life and Intervarsity on campus”
Toughest class
“I would say my senior thesis class for Religion was the most difficult because of the consistent deadlines and deep intellectual thought it takes to produce a good paper.”
Internships or on-campus employment
“I had an internship with Faith Acres Foundation in Mchenry, Ill. last summer. It is a faith-based food and clothing sharing center that feeds many families and nourishes their spiritual lives every day. We helped to innovate land management solutions, manage volunteer teams in farm and community service work, and educate children in environmental topics including plant identification.”
Opportunities at Carthage
“I went on the most recent J-term trip to Guatemala, and have done some undergraduate research on greenroofs.”
Favorite moments and memories at Carthage
“Shenanigans.”
Favorite spot on campus
“To study, it would be the JAC, or the new chapel lounge. I love listening to music, and there’s often free tea or coffee. Otherwise, I like the beach when it’s warm!”
What would your 8-year-old self think of you now?
“I used to swim in ponds and streams when I was 8-years-old. I was basically a forest child, so [my major] seems about right.”
Why should other students consider your major? What advice do you have for them?
“Continue to research and study things you are passionate about. It will make you more well rounded and passionate about your studies.”