Kathryn Milschewski

“After graduating from Carthage, I plan on becoming a middle or high school teacher. In addition to teaching, I have a great interest in pursuing education policy and educational book publishing.”

“Professor Maria Carrig has played such an important part in my time at Carthage. She always pushes me to think about a text in a new way and develop unique ideas about our material. She is supportive of my ideas, while offering a much needed critical eye.”

“Prof. Carrig’s Literature in Its Time: Magic and Witchcraft course has been one of my favorite classes. We were able to study the history of magic in literature and how magical thinking in Europe impacted the culture and the literature produced. We read everything from Shakespeare to Paulo Coelho in this course, and it has changed my entire worldview on the history of magic and religion.”

“I am on the women’s track and field team, and I throw discus, shot put, hammer, and weight. It has been a great experience learning the collegiate level throws and learning how to weight lift properly. We practice several hours a day with meets almost every weekend of the second semester, making it my biggest extracurricular commitment.

“I am also part of National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH), which is comprised of the top 1 percent of leaders on campus. The group puts on service programs each semester and writes ‘Of the Months’ to recognize great things that are going on throughout campus.

“I have a few different jobs on campus that keep me pretty busy. I am a resident assistant in Henry Denhart Residence Hall, which has been one of the most fun experiences here at Carthage. Not only have I had the chance to meet so many friends, but I have been able to build a community in my residence hall.

“I work at the Center for Faith and Spirituality as part of the Acts of Random Kindness group. We put on monthly programs that spread kindness throughout campus and brighten people’s days!

“I have also taught swim lessons at Carthage, which has been a great way to get some extra teaching experiences while at school.”

“My freshman year, I took a class with Professor Seemee Ali and Professor Michael McShane on “The Canterbury Tales.” We read the text in its original English, and it has been one of the most challenging reading experiences at Carthage. In that class, I had to think about so many new things and really challenge how I looked at a text.

“Our discussions were complex and specific, and early on, I felt very nervous about my ideas in a room full of juniors and seniors. As I got more comfortable, I was able to write one of my best papers for that class. Although the class was complex, it has changed how I read every book and has shaped my study greatly.”

“I worked at the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) in Washington D.C. and wrote for an online and in-print magazine called “StudyBreaks.” At the NEH, I worked on developing lesson plans and teacher resources for the NEH’s EDSITEment! website, which offers free resources to teachers around the country.

“I was not only able to produce content online, but I was able to see the NEH’s grant process, meet several senators and congresspeople, and get a sense of the government’s humanities research and education priorities. This internship helped me realize that, although I still want to teach, I also want to play a bigger role in the education community.

“While working for “StudyBreaks,” I wrote weekly articles for their website on music, books, movies, and other pop culture topics. This was my first official writing job, and it helped me explore another facet of my major. Every article was exciting to write, and a few of them received attention.”

“For my first J-Term trip, I will be going to Namibia for three weeks. I am excited to see all that the world has to offer.

“Previously, I was part of Prof. Carrig’s Arts and Theatre in Chicago course where we traveled to museums and shows in Chicago throughout J-Term. We were even able to see “Hamilton,” which was an amazing experience!

“I have also gone twice to Stratford, Canada for the Statford Shakespeare Festival. It is a three-day theatre trip in the fall where we get to see six amazing shows and spend a few days exploring a great little town! This was my first time ever traveling out of the country, and it has certainly sparked a new passion for travel.”

“I received the Ruud Scholarship, which covers full-tuition. This scholarship has meant so much in securing my financial future and in making many of my other interests a reality. My NEH internship was unpaid, which would have been really hard to take without the support of my scholarship. Getting a great scholarship here has helped me to explore exciting options for my future.”

“My favorite spot is the Henry Denhart Residence Hall lobby. I love saying hi to the other resident assistants on duty and hanging out with whoever is there on our staff!”

“I am definitely surprised by the things I have been able to accomplish and the opportunities I was able to participate in. Every college tells you that they provide great opportunities, but Carthage delivers. I have been able to take great internships, travel, and play sports all while studying here at school.”

“Eight-year-old me would be a little confused, but she would ultimately be happy. When I was eight, I wanted to be the deputy White House communications director (I know it’s odd). I think she would be excited that I took my passions and let them develop into something new as I got older.”

“I tell all freshman to take advantage of every opportunity that presents itself and to seek out anything they want but don’t see. It is easy to not do anything in college, but it is more rewarding to be part of something and explore.”

“I chose Carthage because it was the best fit for my goals in life and for my personality. I am able to pursue a variety of interests and opportunities I would never have at other institutions.”