Sarah Ciombor

“After Carthage, I hope to work at a school for children with disabilities until I start graduate school to obtain my masters in occupational therapy. Down the road, I plan to become an occupational therapist who specializes in assisting veterans and wounded warriors regain functionality to enjoy daily life.”

“One professor who has had an impact on my life at Carthage was Professor Ingrid Tiegel. The two classes I took with her are two of the classes I remember the most from. Her knowledge in the realm of developmental psychology is astonishing. I hope to one day be as academically skilled in my area of expertise as she is.”

“My favorite class at Carthage was Child Psychopathology (PYC 3650). I was taking this class at the same time as my senior thesis in fieldwork through the Psychological Sciences, and it was undoubtedly rewarding to bring in what I was learning in the classroom into my fieldwork experience. It’s another reason why to become a psychology major!”

“At Carthage, I am currently involved in Carthage Choir, Nu Rho Psi, and Psi Chi. However, the past three years, I was an active member of Lambda Kappa and Alpha Lambda Delta. I also was the president of Catholics at Carthage for three years.”

“My toughest class at Carthage was Human Anatomical Systems (BIO 3300) with Professor Paul Martino. In all my semesters at Carthage, I don’t think I have ever studied so terribly hard for the exams (both lab and lecture). Though this was the toughest class I have taken, my hard work, without question, paid off. Since it is a prerequisite for all occupational therapy schools, it was also pivotal that I gained as much knowledge from this class because the topics would be relevant down the line in my graduate studies.”

“In the spring of 2018, I complete my thesis in fieldwork through the Psychological Sciences Department. Because of this, I was able to secure an internship at Open Wings Learning Community. During my time at the school, I implemented a behavioral token economy, collected data, and presented my research, which is now pending presentation at the 2019 Midwestern Psychological Association Conference. I currently am maintaining my intern status at this school during my last semester here at Carthage. I am continuously learning about different ways to teach and redirect children with disabilities in an academic setting.”

“In the past three years at Carthage, I went on two J-Term study tours. I traveled to Nicaragua, which gave me a great hands on learning experience in the healthcare field as well as an opportunity to enhance my Spanish language abilities. I also was given the blessing of traveling Europe with the Carthage Choir. Here, I was able to travel the countries of Hungary, Slovenia, and Italy and even perform in St. Peter’s Basilica. While performing in St. Peter’s Basilica is one of my most fondest performances with the Carthage Choir. Christmas Fest has always been a favorite memory of mine as well as my loved ones who attend. The countless moments that were spent with such a talented and honest group of people are far too cherished for any amount of words to describe in full. Not only was I able to be a part of the Carthage Choir as a music minor, but I also planned and performed a joint recital in the spring of 2018. As a rising sophomore, I conducted research through the Neuroscience Department in the SURE program. I was able to present this research, along with other students who picked up my research, at the Society for Neuroscience Conference in Washington, D.C. in the fall of 2017. I also am awaiting acceptance to present my senior thesis at the Midwestern Psychological Association meeting this spring.”

“At Carthage, I received the Founder’s Scholarship as well as the Music Scholar Grant. Because of these scholarships, my loan budget, as I am graduating, is significantly lower than if I were to have gone to another school.”

“As many of the students in the music department would say, Christmas Fest is one of my favorite moments throughout the years. I also cherished the busy and quiet moments on tour with the Carthage Choir, especially this past January in Europe. One moment I will never forget is the first time we rehearsed in one of the many beautiful and historic churches. When we released our first long held chord, the reverb was unexplainably breathtaking. Having that sort of special bond with others is something I will miss terribly, but remember often.”

“My favorite spot on campus is Einstein’s because of the continuous change of energy. At one moment, it can be silent and peaceful. But as soon as class lets out at 11:35, it’s a hub for meeting friends and catching up unexpectedly.”

“The biggest surprise so far has been the ability to be so busy, yet successful. I would have never thought that in my last semester at Carthage, I would be a full time student as well as working three jobs that all together add up to about 25 hours a week. While I am surprised of my abilities to not only survive, but thrive through these tasks, I know it is because of my past three years here and how I have been shaped and molded by my professors, or “learning facilitators” as Professor Robert Maleske would put it. It is because of my educators I am ready to apply to graduate school and step into the real world, and I am abundantly grateful.”

“My 8-year-old self would have been happily surprised with my career path. I was never influence to pursue occupational therapy in my younger years, but if someone would have explained to me what this career was, I do believe I would have readily accepted the challenge.”

“For those who are on the fence of considering majoring in psychology, my advice is to research potential outcomes of this major. Once you find a few potential outcomes that you might like, shadow, shadow, shadow! Making connections and ensuring your career is truly what you want to pursue is crucial. For example, do not intend on becoming a researcher unless you have done research or have shadowed someone who has. Gaining knowledge and experience is not just something to do in college. It is a lifelong skill, so be ready to learn each and every day!”

“Psychology is much broader than people made it out to be when I was first considering my major coming into my undergraduate studies. It also sets the stage for furthering your education, whether that be research in a specific area, health care, or counseling.”

“I decided to attend Carthage because of the ample opportunities, the proximity to family and loved ones, and the ability to major in one field, while minoring in two others! I knew I would not be able to graduate in 3.5 years with a major and two minors anywhere else.”