Ingrid Cerna

“I was drawn to Carthage for its strong academic foundation and welcoming community. The small class sizes allow me to build meaningful connections with my professors and classmates. I’ve found that the faculty genuinely care about student success inside and outside the classroom. Another major factor in my decision was the location. The campus, being situated right along Lake Michigan, is not only beautiful but also inspiring. Being surrounded by such an incredible view motivates me to keep pushing forward and has sparked a desire in me to travel and explore more of the world’s stunning places.”

“In my freshman year, I struggled to adjust to college-level studying and felt unsure how to succeed academically. I opened up to one of my professors about these challenges, and they helped me see things from a different perspective and showed me new ways to approach my studies. That support not only improved my academic performance, but it eased the anxiety I was feeling. Career-wise, I was unsure which career to pursue, so I turned to my professors and career specialist for guidance. Their advice and encouragement gave me the clarity and confidence I needed to decide. These relationships have made a lasting impact on my college journey.”

“My favorite class at Carthage so far has been Organic Chemistry. It challenged me to find new ways to study and taught me how to organize and break down complicated material to succeed. I enjoyed attending class because it wasn’t just about lectures; we often collaborated and worked in groups to solve in-class problems. That interactive environment helped me stay engaged and made learning more enjoyable and effective.”

“I’m involved in a few extracurriculars at Carthage that have been meaningful to me. I’m a member of Alpha Mu Gamma, a national collegiate foreign language honor society that has allowed me to connect with others interested in language and culture. And I recently became a peer tutor, which I’m especially excited about. I want to support other students academically just as others have done for me.”

“I have taken advantage of several opportunities that Carthage offers. For example, I completed the Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) Program during J-Term, which helped me secure a job at a hospital here in Wisconsin. This experience is valuable as I work toward my career goal of becoming a physician assistant. Additionally, I participated in undergraduate research, working alongside Professor Kevin Morris on a project titled ‘An Analysis of Molecular Dynamics Simulations of a Natural Product Binding to the V122I Transthyretin Variant.’ I had the opportunity to present my research poster at Carthage’s Celebration of Scholars event, which was a rewarding experience that allowed me to share my work with others.”

“As a commuter, my favorite spot on campus is the David A. Straz Jr. Center. Being there keeps me close to my professors and peers, which has made it easier to connect with them throughout the day. It’s a space where I feel included and engaged.”

“One of my favorite Carthage memories is definitely the annual Boo Bash hosted by the Biology Department. It’s such a fun and unique event where each biology professor collaborates with their class to create biology-themed pumpkin carvings. It’s been a great way to connect with classmates and professors outside the classroom.”

“One of my best study tips is to make studying fun by changing your environment. I like going to different coffee shops or nearby libraries; it gives me something to look forward to and keeps me from studying by repetition. Another important tip is to create realistic to-do lists. Break down your tasks and space them out throughout your day or week. I like to assign specific times for each task, which helps make big assignments feel more manageable. It’s also important to include mental breaks and pauses in your schedule to give yourself time to rest. This helps you stay focused and avoid burnout!”

“The biggest surprise so far has been realizing that I can manage my job and schoolwork. At first, I was worried about balancing everything, but with good time management and support from my professors and family, I’ve been able to stay on top of it. It’s shown me how much I can handle and has helped my confidence grow.”