Matija Simic

Class Year

’23

Hometown

Naperville, Illinois

Major(s)

Chinese

Minor(s)

Business Administration

“My favorite Carthage moment is walking into my first Chinese class and introducing myself to everyone. It made me feel like I finally found my place and didn’t have to worry about what others thought.”

Matija Simic, ’23

Why Carthage?

“I chose Carthage because of the amazing foreign language programs and the small class sizes, which allow students to interact more with each other and their professors.”

Faculty mentors

“Picking one professor would not be fair! All of the professors that I have had so far are very intelligent and well-rounded people. They all try their best to stimulate deep and critical thinking in class and form a connection with each and every student.”

Favorite class

“My favorite class at Carthage has been Understanding of Religion. It was a required course, and I was nervous taking it. But by the time I finished, I was happy I attended the class because I learned so much about different cultures, including my own.”

Toughest class

“The toughest class for me was Cancer Biology because it was different than the classes I am used to for my major. I had to learn complex concepts for the class, but it was still interesting.”

Campus involvement

“I am part of the Carthage Swimming and Diving Team, the Water Polo Club, and the Chinese Club. All of these organizations have taught me how to work together as a team and to support the people around me.”

Career goal

“My goal after I graduate is to create a clean energy business based in China to further expand the field of clean energy, along with saving our environment.”

Favorite spot on campus

“My favorite spot on campus is in one of the little red chairs that face the lake. It is a nice spot to just stop and think for a moment.”

Favorite memory

“My favorite Carthage moment is walking into my first Chinese class and introducing myself to everyone. It made me feel like I finally found my place and didn’t have to worry about what others thought. I quickly learned that everyone was here to support each other.”

Biggest surprise

“My biggest surprise so far is the workload in college. I expected a far more intense workload that would keep me up at night; however, with good habits and time organization, no class is too much for me.”

Advice for other students in your major?

“Whatever your goals are for your major, don’t forget to have fun and enjoy yourself. If you are really doing something you love, the work will get done naturally. It’s up to you to keep that passion and ambition burning.”

What would your 8-year-old self think of you now?

“I would have never expected to be on the path I am now. I think I would ask myself why I didn’t decide to continue my cooking career.”

Scholarships

“I received the Chinese language competition scholarship. Winning this scholarship showed me how much potential I have to be the best I can be. It also meant that I could come to school here without worrying about my finances.”