David Fish

“After I graduate from Carthage my goal is to teach both physical and health education at the high school level, preferably back in Illinois. Then, I would like to be involved in extracurriculars and coach both the cross country and track teams as well as direct/lead programs geared toward leadership development. Over my summers, my plan is to coordinate a running camp for middle and high school athletes. On top of that, being able to work as a nutritionist over the summers would be a field I would like to pursue as well.”

“I have been fortunate to work with many educators at Carthage who have impacted my Carthage career and given me skills that are applicable well after college. There are three big factors that I believe the best of educators exemplify:

“First, they are willing to meet with students outside of class and use that time to promote the student’s individual skills to the current assignment, project, or exam.

“Next, they discuss one-on-one students’ strengths and areas they can improve upon. This allows students to gain a better perspective on which skills they should feel confident applying, and which areas need more time and development.

“Finally, the educator and student need to have a strong relationship where they can be open about topics and have discussions that are essential to individual growth. This can be discussing strengths and weaknesses, presenting ideas that cause both parties to think and develop, solving a problem/situation as a team, or anything else that calls for the educator and student to reflect and gain a better understanding.”

“To date my favorite class at Carthage has been Foundations of Exercise and Sport Science (EXS 1010). This course offered a large spectrum in terms of what was taught and what the students needed to learn on their own. We learned about the history of physical education from the Romans to present day, and the different influences that time periods and cultures had when constructing their respective curriculums. The class got to participate in games that reinforced what we learned during our time in the classroom, and how these forms of teaching may be applied to our future careers. There was one day that we talked about leadership and how, despite people having different skills and personalities, variation can generate a better functioning group as long as individuals are able to set aside differences and pursue a common objective. Finally, this course looked at the construction of a resume and how previous experiences, regardless of what area you were applying for, still have applicable skills that could be transferred to make you more marketable.”

“I am a part of Success Coaching, Character Quest, the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), and the cross country and track and field teams.

“The Success Coaching Program provides an opportunity for current students to work with incoming freshmen as they are being introduced to college. Topics that we cover include resources that can be used on campus and tools that students will be able to apply after they graduate.

“Then there is Character Quest, which provides leadership development through hands-on activities over the summer and coaching sessions to continue to enhance one’s skills in leadership during the school year.

“The SAAC organization consists of students from every sport Carthage offers. We have monthly to semiweekly meetings to discuss upcoming events and issues that we as athletes should be addressing. Next year I will be serving on the E-board and will act as the organization’s treasurer.

“Finally, the cross country and track and field teams have me training year-round for the three seasons of competition during the school year. The coaching staff and those with whom I compete are some of the most outstanding people I have gotten to meet and work with. They all have a sense of humor and dedication that go hand in hand, and make both teams function as really positive and respected programs.”

“My toughest class at Carthage has been Human Anatomy and Physiology (BIO 1040). Since this was the first time I had taken a science class in over two years, my concern was that I’d have to begin to find different methods of studying, especially since the course consisted of a large amount of terms and functions of those terms that needed to be memorized. I finished well in the class, worked with a number of classmates and friends in order to succeed, and constantly made sure I was working with the professor if any clarifications were needed.”

“One of the opportunities I had offered to me was through the EXSS Department and it focused on the interview/hiring process of two new members to the department. Another great opportunity I had was to develop a running camp that is hosted at Carthage over the summer.”

“I received the Dean’s Scholarship for my GPA and ACT score from high school. This scholarship really shows how much effort and dedication to early schooling can benefit you later on, and how being more educated while taking studies seriously leads to great benefits.”

“My favorite memories of Carthage all consist of the new friends I have made and all the fun situations we have so far found ourselves in. Whether it be a road trip in a van for eight hours, or working last minute on a project, I am glad that there have been so many of my friends there to make down time or exciting experiences more memorable.”

“The best spot on campus would have to be the Campbell Student Union. A number of my close friends and I have had plenty of late nights and post-practice meals there.”

“The biggest surprise I’ve had at school so far was having my cross country and track and field coach come in during my freshman year. Originally I was looking forward to working with the old coach. However, the new coach has not only been one of my favorite coaches, but he has done wonders for the program. Multiple records have been broken under his watch and he displays ideals and expectations that brought a whole new form of thinking to the teams he oversees.”

“The 8-year-old version of myself would first ask what ‘exercise sport science’ is, and then go on to criticize how running is an activity that he will never pick up. There have been plenty of steps along the way where I developed and faced situations that changed my expectations. I can’t help but be happy with how far I have come and be thankful for those events, situations, and above everything else people that inspired me to become who I am today.”

“Approach it with an open mind. There are challenging topics and classes, but take what you can from these situations, and you will advance. Besides keeping an open mind, I encourage students to take positive risks and learn as much as they can in classes, even if that means learning from mistakes every once in a while. Taking opportunities offered in class is highly recommended.”