Grace Condit

“I care so much about all that I do, and I want people to care the same. One of my professors once said, ‘Go outside and fall in love with nature because she deserves it,’ and nothing has stuck with me throughout my academic career such as that. It’s the motivating force for the future of my life. I’m not sure what it is that I will do moving forward, but I hope to do something far greater than myself. Whether it’s making maps or continuing environmental fieldwork. Although my career path is not set in stone, the choices I have are freeing. I’ve never been one to sit passively, so I know no matter what path I take, I aspire to do great things and to live fully.”

“I would not be where I am without the faculty at Carthage. My professors have been some of the most helpful and supportive people inside and outside the classroom. A lot of what I do today is chalked up to the support they have given me. The relationships I have built with them are something I’ll always cherish.”

“My favorite class here at Carthage has to be Professor Joy Mast’s National Park class! As an avid lover of the outdoors and environmentalist, learning about the geologic history of some of my favorite national parks was the most fun and exciting class to take! My list of places to visit grew immensely afterward.”

“I’ve been involved in quite a slew of extracurriculars here at Carthage. It first started with Carthage United to Rescue Earth (CURE), which soon turned into Student Government as the Sustainability Senator. Now I’m treasurer of KAO Environmental Honors, vice president of the Horticulture Club, a sustainability intern, Geospatial Science Department Fellow, and a member of the Rock Climbing Club. The people I have met through these organizations have made my experience what it is today. Being surrounded by such great people has created a community I wouldn’t change for the world.”

“My toughest class has to be Environmental Chemistry. While I wish I could say chemistry is my strong suit, that class definitely put me to the test. As an environmental science major in the conservation track, chemistry was something completely new. We had a semester-long lab project testing soil samples for triclosan, and while testing for real-life pollutants was an experience I never thought I’d have, I realized the lab is not where I belong!”

“This past summer, I was able to work locally for Thompson & Associates Wetlands Services as a Wetland Conservation and Restoration Intern. While there, I worked on invasive treatment and wildlife management and spent lots of time wading through the water, working with beavers! I’m also the Geospatial Science Department Fellow, where I get to tutor other GIS students. Additionally, I am a Green Team Sustainability Intern, where I spend my time organizing events and canvassing for sustainability. While these all have kept me quite busy, I couldn’t be more thankful for them all!”

“One of my greatest opportunities is being a part of the students behind Carthage College’s Sustainability Summit. This is my second year planning this event in which we strive to cultivate an awareness for environmental sustainability both on our campus and within the community. Being able to bring in so many environmental experts to speak on behalf of their passions is truly inspiring. When I was asked to be a part of the planning process last year, I never thought it’d lead to what it is today. I am so thankful I get to be a part of something so much bigger than myself. I also get to work with some of the smartest and most talented people I know.”

“I received one of Carthage’s Endowed Scholarships. It means the world to have this sort of academic support. I’d hate to imagine my time at Carthage without it.”

“Although there are many, some of my favorite moments and memories are from the rock wall! While my fear of heights never changed, and I don’t climb nearly as much as you would imagine, my closest friends and favorite memories will always be from there.”

“I love to hammock in the trees alongside the slope near Oaks Circle. Not only is it the perfect place to relax in a hammock, but you can’t beat the lake view!”

“The people! Coming into Carthage as a freshman during COVID was extremely hard. Meeting people and getting involved felt virtually impossible. But before I knew it, I am now a junior who has met so many individuals I hope to keep in my life forever. Even then, the sense of community I found within personal friendships and campus involvement has been amazing.”

“My 8-year-old me would be so proud. She might have no idea what GIS is, but to know my love for the outdoors is so prominent in my daily life would be exciting to say the least. I never imagined I’d do so many things like growing plants in the greenhouse on campus or enjoy wading through the water to work with beavers so much.”

“Both environmental science and GIS are so important in the future of our world- especially when you put the two together! Each major is extremely applicable to the real world and provides you with the freedom and stability to turn your passion into a career! My biggest piece of advice is to stay open-minded and put yourself out there. You never know what opportunities could arise. Also, I know GIS can be scary, but I promise it’s more than worth it!”

“Of course, Carthage is known for its beautiful view of Lake Michigan, but being from such a small high school, the ability to have smaller class sizes and real connections with my professors was one of the main reasons I chose Carthage. Little did I know that it would be all I wished for! I am incredibly thankful to the professors I have here at Carthage, and I couldn’t do it without them.”