Basil Kiracofe

“I chose Carthage because of the close-knit community, organizations, and the classes that it offers. Carthage is a small school that allows for close relationships with students, faculty, staff, and administration. It allows for open communication and connections to different people throughout the whole campus. Carthage has over a hundred different organizations that students can join to find community and friends who can support them while they’re here. Lastly, the classes that Carthage offers are extremely unique and provide different perspectives to new concepts and/or ideas.”

“The Carthage faculty are some of the most supportive people here. They have provided me with many opportunities and resources. I have a close bond with a few of my professors, and I’ve been grateful for the chance to meet and work with them. During my freshman year, I got concussed, and my relationship with faculty has allowed for me to find ways to keep up with my work and get the extra help that I needed to succeed while recovering.”

“My favorite class at Carthage so far is Elementary German with Professor Michelle Ishmael-Wright! She has been an amazing professor this year and always finds fun and engaging ways to teach her students German. I love how supportive she has been and how much effort she puts in to be a brilliant professor. The class is fun and interactive, and the homework genuinely helps me better understand German.”

“The toughest class I’ve had so far is Mock Trial. It was a huge learning curve, especially since I’ve never done it before, but it was a great experience. The class was a lot of work as we compete as an academic team, but it was 100 percent worth it in the end. I can’t wait to take the course again next year.”

“I’m involved in Mi Gente, LGBTQ*SA, Student Government, Model UN, and the wrestling team here! Student Government and wrestling have been such a blast to do. I’ve learned a lot from both experiences and am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of both groups. In Student Government, I am a freshman senator and chair of the Ethics Committee. In Mi Gente and LGBTQ*SA, I am a regular member who enjoys showing up and having a great community to learn from and be a part of.”

“One opportunity that I have had at Carthage so far was the ability to create a peer education group to raise awareness for topics within Title IX. Though it is still getting off the ground, I’ve been grateful for the opportunity to make a difference and create change on campus when there have been calls for change. I’m hoping to see great things from this group in the future and changes on campus. I also work as a digital communications intern for the Office of Marketing and Communications!”

“My favorite spot on campus is Hedberg Library. It is a great study spot that allows for me to get my work done without distraction. The study rooms in the lower level are great for study groups. My friends and I have utilized those study rooms on multiple occasions and have helped us greatly.”

“The best study tip I have for other students is to have breaks throughout your study time. It’s helped me a lot with my focus and retention of information in a lot of my classes. Taking breaks while studying gives you mental breaks and can help keep you engaged in what you’re doing.”

“The best way to make friends at Carthage is to join different organizations and campus events! I met some of my closest friends through the different organizations that I’ve joined, such as Mi Gente or Student Government. Being in a sport is another great way to make friends, as you can have a support system that will always be there for you. Being on the wrestling team here has given me the chance to make great friends that I hope to have for the rest of my life.”

“A piece of advice I would give is to take the time and effort to do the work and learn through these classes, as the information is extremely valuable. Being a part of the two majors I am gives me the ability to explore multiple disciplines, rather than just being confined to one study of learning.”