Alaina Wasilewski

“I’m from a small town, and my graduating high school class was only about 60 students. During my college search, I found large schools intimidating and overwhelming. At Carthage, I found the small class sizes, student-focused education, and close-knit community I had been searching for. It truly reminded me of and felt just like home. I know I made the right choice.”

“The faculty here at Carthage have acted as my best role models and inspirations. My freshman year, Professor Temple Burling made me realize I am much more than a letter grade and that education is much more than a report card or GPA. He sparked my interest in a field outside of my major, and his biology classes shaped me into a better student and made me more curious about the world around me.”

“Professor Laurie Jensen has been extremely influential in my college career so far. As my academic advisor, Prof. Jensen pushes me to the next level and gives me excellent words of wisdom when I’m ever feeling stressed out or overwhelmed by classes. I’ve had two classes with Prof. Jensen, and both have been some of my favorite classes I’ve taken so far. She is a wicked smart, strong, and independent woman whom I can always look up to as a leader in my career field. Having someone like her to guide me throughout my academic progress is extremely beneficial, and I’m so grateful I’ve had the opportunity to work with her thus far.”

“My favorite class at Carthage so far has been my freshman year J-Term course, Creative Writing, taught by Professor Noah Zanella. I initially took this course during J-Term as something outside of my major that I was interested in. I’ve always loved English and wanted a quick break from all of the (lovely, of course) science classes I had been taking. Creative Writing was the perfect class. It allowed me to switch my thinking for a month and grow my passion for writing while still challenging me to become a stronger writer and artist. This class allowed me to be vulnerable around my peers and made me a more confident public speaker, a valuable skill to possess as a healthcare provider. I still write in my free time with the skills I gained from this course, and I wish I could go back and retake it all over again.”

“I am currently taking Physics, which is by far the hardest class I’ve taken at Carthage. Though the subject material is very tough, I have so many resources for help, including but not limited to, my wonderful professor Julie Dahlstrom’s office hours and our physics tutor. I know this class, though difficult, is challenging me to think outside the box. I know I’ll make it through the course.”

“I am heavily involved in Pi Theta Social Sorority and am currently on the eboard. We are a local sorority, meaning we are a singular chapter local to Carthage’s campus. Our philanthropy is the Kenosha Unified School District, which allows us to work very closely with the students and families in our Kenosha community. I love our community service events, including food, school supplies, and athletic equipment drives. It is extremely rewarding to see the positive impact we can have directly within our community here at Carthage and within Kenosha, and I truly feel I am making such a positive impression during my time in college. Pi Theta has allowed me to become a strong leader, community member, and friend, and I am so glad I chose to join and commit time to these wonderful women.”

“I had the opportunity to take an immersive, interprofessional healthcare course in which I was able to shadow Carthage’s wonderful athletic training staff. I learned and experienced so many aspects of athletic training and deepened my passion for the career. It really refreshed my love for sports and health sciences. The staff are such wonderful people who were always eager to answer my questions and show me what it’s like during a day in their lives. During this time, I chose a patient case to track progress on, and I was able to create a case study presentation for my class.”

“I am an athletic trainer assistant on campus through Carthage’s work-study program. This allows me to observe our athletic trainers during games/events, set up practices, and make a little money during my time at school. It also lets me get close with the other students in my program.”

“In rural areas, like where I’m from, athletic trainers are in extremely high need, and many high school sporting events are left without one. This can be extremely dangerous in the event of an injury, leaving the athlete to either wait for paramedics to get to the scene or drive to the nearest hospital. If an athlete goes down with a potential concussion and no athletic trainer is there to clear them to play, they have to sit out of the match regardless. The lack of ATs in rural areas is exceptionally prevalent and problematic in the communities I grew up in. My career goal is to provide quality healthcare and AT services to athletes in small, rural areas.”

“My favorite spot on campus is the library because my friends and I host the best study and Starbucks sessions there when we need to focus on academics.”

“Some of my favorite Carthage memories are watching the northern lights over the lake, being with my friends during Homecoming, and attending Carthage’s sporting events!”

“Make studying fun! I always find that I learn best through online study games.”

“Get involved! My best friends at Carthage were made through my sorority or student worker gig. Getting involved during your time at Carthage is the best way to meet new people and make great connections!”

“My best advice is to get involved in career-specific activities as often as possible, such as shadowing and patient-contact opportunities. This will help grow and continue your passion for the art and science of athletic training.”