Kyle Williamson

“I chose Carthage because I received the opportunity to play football and earn my degree at a reputable school. Carthage has a great campus alongside Lake Michigan and in between Chicago and Milwaukee. I knew that committing here meant I could balance playing the sport I love and pursuing my degree.”

“The Carthage nursing faculty taught me the importance of believing in my ability to impact the lives of others — not only physically, but mentally. All of my professors have worked in a range of different fields. They share and connect their personal experiences with our curriculum, which gives us students a unique perspective of the nursing practice. I apply their advice and knowledge in the clinical setting with actual patients every week.”

“My favorite class at Carthage so far has been Microbiology. In this class, I researched microscopic bacteriophage, which are viruses that kill and selectively target bacteria. Each person in the class had to collect a sample of dirt, mud, or water. With that sample, we followed a specific semester-long protocol to extract the phage and then replicate it. We then went to a special lab in the Science Center to observe the phage under a car-sized electron microscope made in Germany. We were then able to capture a picture that I still have now. I will never forget that experience.”

“The toughest class I took was Anatomy and Physiology during my sophomore year. It was my first class that challenged me and crafted me to be a better student. The class was also partnered with a lab that was just as challenging. I was tested on material from lectures and applied my knowledge in a lab with replicas of different structures in the body. I still use what I learned in this course to this day and apply it in my field.”

“I play football here at Carthage. Playing football led me to create friendships that I will have for a lifetime. The coaching staff has done a great job developing me as an athlete and a person. I’ve traveled around Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan to play different football teams and experience new places. Playing athletics taught me how to manage time, work through adversity, and compete against myself and others.”

“I traveled to Barcelona, Spain with the football team and spent 10 days learning about the history, geography, and culture of Spain. We also played an American football game against a Barcelona team. We got the opportunity to meet the players after the game, exchange gifts from our country, and meet some of the players’ families.”

“I plan to follow up on an internship at Froedert South Hospital in Kenosha for an opportunity to shadow nurses and carry out different nursing cares for patients. This internship program sets up nursing students to stand out and gain more knowledge in the profession. Once completed, the program will align me with job opportunities after I graduate.”

“After I achieve my Bachelor of Science in Nursing, I plan to work on a med-surge or ER floor in the hospital. I eventually want to become a travel nurse to meet new people, explore the states, and work with new teams of nurses.”

“My favorite spot on campus is behind The Oaks by the Lake Michigan shore. I often attach a hammock on some trees there when I want to relax and study. I also enjoy going to the top floor of The Tower to get a birds-eye view of Carthage.”

“My favorite memories incude participating in Homecoming every year, going to downtown Kenosha on the weekends, and meeting new people in classes or dorms.”

“My biggest surprise so far has been the friendships I’ve made. I live in a house with the same four guys I met my freshman year. They’ve turned into trustworthy lifelong friends.”

“I recommend nursing because it is a lifetime commitment to caring for others and having the opportunity to impact people’s lives for the better. The program at Carthage is staffed by professors who have worked in the field and can share their real-life experiences.”

“My young self wouldn’t have thought of becoming a nurse. I committed my career to be a nurse after quarantine and my knee injuries. I wanted to have a positive impact on the world, and with nursing, I found that.”