Kelly Sibert

“After I graduate from Carthage, I hope to be an elementary school teacher!”

“Carthage faculty have always believed in me, even when I did not believe in myself, and they were always willing to work with me to help me be the most successful student I could be, even when life was challenging. They have given me peace of mind that I could succeed as a student and in my career by adequately preparing me for both!”

“My favorite class at Carthage has been Fostering Engagement and Positive Behavior in the Classroom taught by Professor Nina Weisling. Prof. Weisling was always there for us and supported us in and out of the classroom. She was also a very straightforward teacher, and I was never unclear on her instructions. We did enough engaging activities that I can feel more prepared for behavior management in the classroom.”

“I am involved in the Carthage Activities Board (CAB), the Best Buddies Club, the Carthage Swifties, and the Martial Arts Club! I have had so much fun meeting new people and engaging in another part of college by joining these clubs!

“I love CAB because it has given me opportunities I would have never gotten, such as seeing my first live Broadway musical, “Dear Evan Hansen,” in pit seats for only $10! Also, I saw the Milwaukee Admirals game and a Scotty McCreery concert on ice; the night also included a reserved food table just for Carthage. CAB has also helped me improve my planning, leadership, and time management skills. I was on the e-board as the director of finance and had to juggle attending events, work, classes, homework, me time, and social time! It made me realize that I would rather be busy than sitting around and not knowing what to do with so much time on my hands!

“Martial Arts Club has helped me befriend a group of great people and helped me learn how to defend myself. Best Buddies has helped me expand my social circle and gave me rewarding and valuable experience with students from Matthias Academy, which helps me in my teaching career. It also reminds me of my high school experience because I was in a similar club, Buddy Project, and I am glad to get that experience again!

“Lastly, the Carthage Swifties has made me realize how many people around campus are big Taylor Swift fans, and we can all share our love and affinity for her in a very welcoming and positive space.”

“My most challenging class at Carthage has been Introduction to Political Theory because it was the farthest outside of my major and had the most readings, which was tough. It also had material I was not familiar with, so I had trouble engaging with the material in class. However, it helped me learn a lot about the world and how politics work, and I am glad I was able to enlighten myself about this topic.”

“I have been an orientation leader for two years in a row, and it inspires me to help first-year students just like my OLs supported me my first year. It is also so rewarding to see students from my orientation group getting involved on campus, attending all the events, and hanging out with each other!”

“I took the Urban Education Immersion class this past J-Term, and it was a class I will always value and never forget. Everyone in this class was assigned a local urban school and classroom to go to for three hours every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. We would spend time with the students while learning about the urban school environment and bring back ideas on improving it. I was in a kindergarten class and loved spending time with all the sweet students, and I even got to have lunch and recess with them. This class taught me a lot about how there are people who are less fortunate than you, but you can make a lifelong impact on them. I will never forget this class ever!”

“I was honored and lucky enough to receive the Lentz Presidential Scholarship, one of the most significant scholarships Carthage offers! Receiving this scholarship has constantly reminded me that I can achieve whatever dreams I set my mind to, and it reminds me of my communication skills and that I can apply them to my teaching. Also, receiving this scholarship is one of the only reasons I could afford a four-year university experience; I planned on attending a community college for two years and then transferring to a university.”

“I went to the PROM-blems dance my first year, and it was a great environment to hang out with my friends and let loose while also meeting new people. Another favorite memory was going to the President’s Ball dances; it was so exciting to see everyone all dressed up and dance the night away with my friends!

“I just love hanging out with my friends in general and going out for coffee, studying, having movie nights, or staying up late at night laughing and talking. It’s great to be around such a supportive and inclusive community.”

“My favorite spot on campus has to be the David A. Straz Jr. Center because it’s such a lovely building with so many study spaces, many of which I am just now discovering. I also love that it has such a nice auditorium to watch talented actors perform. I love how expansive the building is, and spending time there is an excellent pastime!”

“The biggest surprise so far has been receiving the Silver Leadership Award at the end of my sophomore year. I still cannot believe I was among only a few students on the campus to receive it, but I am forever grateful!”

“My eight-year-old self would be overwhelmingly proud of all my achievements, milestones, and steps I have made in life. I was a timid student who had a lot of trouble in school and social circles. I have always wanted to be a teacher, however, and I am so glad I have continued with that dream all my life. I know it is my true calling, and I am happy to live it out!

“My eight-year-old self has never thought I would receive a scholarship, let alone a Silver Leadership Award, or get involved in so many clubs and opportunities to better myself as a person and student! They would be cheering me on from the sidelines right now, and I am so proud for coming into my own. I cannot wait to see where life takes me from here!”

“Other students should consider elementary education because it is arguably one of the most influential majors. Teachers are the ones who inspire students to take their desired life path and are their number one cheerleaders throughout that entire process. It is also a great major because you are a part of something bigger than you, and it is the most rewarding feeling when you get that ‘lightbulb’ moment from a student. Plus, teaching makes your day go by fast because you constantly move around and will never have a dull day.

“My advice for you would be to keep an open mind and never give up because if there is a more challenging student to get through to, you will eventually make a great connection with them, and they will likely come back years later to thank you for your inspiring attitude and work!”

“I chose Carthage because I loved the unmatched Aspire Program and knew that the staff here cared about their students. I wanted my professors to know my name, and I knew the small class sizes would make me feel at home and appreciated! I also loved the lake view; it never gets old! Also, all of the counselors I spoke with said that Carthage had an extraordinary education program, and they were right!”