Susan Peinsipp
Susan Peinsipp
Class Year
’14
Hometown
Lombard, Ill.
Major(s)
Great Ideas, English
As a swimmer, Susan Peinsipp knows all about the amount of teamwork it takes to succeed. At Carthage, she feels like she’s part of another team — a closeknit community of students and faculty.
“I feel like a person rather than a number,” she said. “Everyone cares.”
Susan came to Carthage as a physics major, but decided to change her focus to Great Ideas andEnglish. “I love being a Great Ideas major because it is such a close community between the students and the professors.”
The Great Ideas Program is an interdisciplinary subject that provides students with a deep understand of Western thought.
While Susan’s still not sure what her future will hold, she knows that the skills she is acquiring at Carthage will help her excel in any career. “I am learning how to think critically, voice my thoughts so others can understand them, and write clearly.”
How have Carthage faculty had an impact on your life or Carthage career?
“I cannot pick a favorite professor. All the professors that I have had are wonderful. They know their subjects, they go above and beyond to help students, and they know me as a person. There are professors I had freshman year who still remember me.”
Favorite class
“My favorite class has been Ceramic Wheel-Throwing. It was fun to explore a class outside my majors.”
Campus involvement
“Women’s Swim Team, vice president of Handbell Choir,Honors Council, and Character Quest.”
Toughest class
“Calculus II is the toughest class I have taken so far. It made me realize that I did not want to be a physics major, which led me to Great Ideas and English.”
Favorite moments and memories at Carthage
“My favorite moments at Carthage are during the CCIW swimming conference. You really become part of the team. The races may be individual, but everyone is backed by the whole team. Seeing the team really getting excited and cheering each other on is amazing.”
Favorite spot on campus
“My favorite spot on campus is any place with a lake view.”
Biggest surprise so far
“The number of opportunities. For a small school, Carthage has a wide array of athletic teams, sororities, fraternities, organizations, clubs, etc. It is easy to get involved, and it makes the college experience that much more enjoyable.”
Why should other students consider your major? What advice do you have for them?
“Great Ideas is not like other majors. You do not cram facts to repeat on a test the night before. Instead, what you put in is what you get out. Take the time to do the work, and ask for help when needed.”