Emily Van Dixhorn

“I chose Carthage mainly because of the programs offered. I love the location of Carthage as well! It is perfectly positioned to visit Milwaukee or Chicago, and Kenosha offers a lot of fun activities, too.”

“While I came to Carthage for the programs, I have stayed at Carthage for the faculty. My professors are the best thing about Carthage. Early freshman year, while I was deciding whether or not to double major, my social work professor sat down with me and plotted out my four-year plan. During J-Term, I was struggling with some personal issues, and the same professor took time to talk with me and help me reconcile the issues I was facing with the content I had been learning in my social work courses.

“Besides these two professors, my other professors have also helped me succeed. Carthage professors are willing to come to their students’ assistance, whether that is writing letters of recommendation, helping with scholarship essay writing and applications, getting you into a full class, or just having a conversation with you after class about the material. Without the support of so many professors, my experience at Carthage would not be the same.”

“This is such a hard question because I have taken so many wonderful classes at Carthage! I have especially enjoyed all my sociology and social work classes because the content is so interesting and the professors are outstanding!”

“I felt passionate about creating a space for social work students to learn and grow together. So with the help of my friends and classmates, I founded the Social Work Student Association. We seek to help social work and social justice students grow professionally as well as promote the Carthage social work major! Alongside creating a place for learners, we want to give back to our community. Through discussing current news events and collaborating with other service-based organizations, we increase our awareness of social issues and involvement in creating solutions. My favorite thing about Social Work Student Association is connecting with students from all grade levels!

“Another club I am involved in is Model United Nations. I just joined this club this year, but I have loved it so far. I am learning a lot about the global society and had the opportunity to improve my writing and public speaking skills!

“I am also involved in Carthage Student Government. Student Government has helped me meet new people and make new friends and has also allowed me to create some of the changes I want to see at Carthage. It has been so rewarding to work with my peers and see improvements being made.”

“I want to work with youth as a social worker. Right now, I am really interested in Child Protective Services, but that might change as I finish the rest of my degree. I am excited for senior year when social work students get a field placement. I hope the field placement will help me decide what area of social work I want to go into.”

“My favorite spot on campus is the picnic table area behind Tarble Hall. I love the lake breeze and how close it is to my dorm!”

“I was expecting it to be a lot colder and snowier. I’m from Minnesota, so the lack of below-zero temperatures has been a welcome surprise!”

“Other students should consider social work because the professors are amazing! All the social work classes I have taken are so interesting, and the professors really want the students to learn and grow. Even if you don’t want to go into social work or aren’t sure if it’s the right path for you, I would suggest taking the introduction to social work course. This was a great intro course, and the content helps students understand more about the social world they live in.”

“My 8-year-old self would be surprised about my current study path because I originally wanted to be a teacher like my mom. In her job, my mom connects with others to solve problems and build community. She also creates space for her students to help them grow emotionally and academically. While I do not want to have a teaching job like my mom, I still want to take the skills she uses and apply them to make connections and help people in my career in social work.”