Grace Condit

“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.”

“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.”

“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!”

“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.”

“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!”

“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!”

“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.”

“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 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!”