Lin Sensenbrenner

“I hope to go to medical school to pursue a career as a clinical neurologist. Further down the line, I would also like to specialize in brain trauma and its effects on the brain and abnormal psychology. One intermediate career goal is to become a residential counselor for teens and adults with mental illness.”

“Carthage faculty and staff have helped me feel welcomed on campus, and they engage in a hands-on and personal way with my learning. The relationships I have with faculty bring me joy and add additional motivation to attend classes and ask questions. Additionally, the faculty help me discover and explore my interests. My lab professors have helped me engage in personal research and so much more.”

“So far, my favorite class has been BIO 1110 Molecules, Cells, and Organisms because it is something that I am passionate about and yet very unfamiliar with. I have struggled with this class, so I feel accomplished when I put in the work and do learn the material. I also love the hands-on labs and my relationship with my professor.”

“My toughest class is actually the same as my favorite class, BIO 1110 Molecules, Cells, and Organisms. This has been my hardest class because everything happens at such a small level with some much new vocabulary that it is similar to learning a new language.”

“I am involved in a variety of clubs on campus, including Youth Empowered in the Struggle (YES), Art Club (treasurer), Neuro Club, CURE, Rock Climbing Club, and Philosophy Club. Joining clubs has pushed me outside my comfort zone and led me to meet students around campus with shared interests who I wouldn’t interact with otherwise. It has also introduced me to a large number of upperclassmen that serve as mentors to me.”

“I have had on-campus jobs but not related specifically to my major. I am in contact with a medical documentation company for a future internship, and I look forward to pursuing this.”

“One of the biggest opportunities I’ve had so far as a freshman is working in undergraduate research in the abnormal psych CAPs lab. I have learned and analyzed studies, found ways this connects to personal research goals, and will be heading to the MPA this April to present on research as a group.”

“I received one of the Hay Presidential Scholarships. For me, this scholarship meant that the college saw potential in me, even if I don’t always see it in myself. This has been a very empowering experience. This scholarship was also the scholarship that gave me the financial boost that I needed to be able to attend Carthage.”

“Some of my favorite Carthage memories have been all of the friends I’ve made on campus. For Halloween, my group of friends bought matching pajamas and had a ‘family’ photoshoot. I also really enjoyed the Biology Department’s Boo Bash Halloween Party. We had a pumpkin carving contest and costume party that was a very fun environment and a good way to engage with the department.”

“My favorite spots on campus are the spirituality houses.”

“My biggest surprise has been how big the campus can feel even though it is a small college. I was worried that I would know everyone on campus and would struggle to meet new people and experience new things. This is not true. I can always find new experiences and meet new people on campus.”

“My eight-year-old self would be completely amazed because my eight-year-old self did not even know that neuroscience and psychology existed, much less that it would be something that I find interesting and fulfilling. My eight-year-old self would also be amazed that I still study art because, as a child, I believed that I was bad at art. However, as I pursued it in middle and high school, my talent grew and became something I wanted to continue. It would be inspiring to see that hard work can pay off.”

“For students who go into neuroscience and psychology, I would highly recommend joining Neuro Club, Psi Chi, and undergraduate research. Both of these departments have amazing faculty and opportunities, so I recommend you learn about them and involve in them outside of the requirements for the class. This is where I have done the most professional and personal development.”

“I choose to attend Carthage for a variety of reasons, including the scholarships presented to me. One of the main reasons I chose Carthage, though, was the academic opportunities presented here, specifically the ability to have multiple majors and minors without seeing a tuition increase. This is important to me as someone with many interests who loves to learn.”