Name: Catherine Carlisle
Major: Human Biology
Minor: Psychology
Hometown: Currently lives in Michigamme, Michigan; however, Catherine is a military child and has lived in many different states and towns.
How has life as a military child shaped your adjustment to college?
It made it very easy socially! It was seamless socially; I could just be me and use the social skills I learned over continuous moves to slip into good social relationships. The biggest thing is getting to know people but also having the confidence to be vulnerable and build trust with people I don’t know as well, which helped me feel more comfortable in my environment.
What made life as a military child challenging? What made it enjoyable?
First and foremost, I got to experience so many different cultures; at a young age I learned how much variety there is out there, and it really opened my mind. I got to have a lot of fun experiences, like skiing and swimming with dolphins. On the other hand, I had to leave behind really good people I connected with because I knew that I would never see them again, and even if we kept in contact, it would never be the same as seeing each other in person. Also, the school systems were crazy. I would be a grade above in some places and super behind in others which could make it hard to adjust academically.
Where was your favorite place to live, and what made it the best?
Everything had its pros and cons, so it’s hard to pick a favorite. I would have to say Hawaii out of the sheer disbelief that I lived there for a few years! It also was beautiful, and I got to swim with so many different sea creatures which was amazing.
Do you find that being a military child has made college harder or easier?
Easier socially, because I am comfortable meeting new people — I think that’s what a lot of people struggle with the most about college and that really wasn’t an issue for me. It has also been easier academically, because I know I have the skills I need to catch up if I get behind, which is something I have had to do many times before. This has helped me to become very adaptable and allowed me to learn how to manage my time and stay organized.
What has been your favorite experience at college so far?
Honestly, just hanging out with a stable group of friends, whether it’s staying in or partying. It doesn’t matter where, as long as you are with those people you connect with and trust, and you know that they also trust you and enjoy hanging out with you. So far that has been the best experience at college.
What are you looking forward to the most about the upcoming semester?
I’m mostly just looking forward to creating new memories with the people I’m around, as well as meeting new people. I am also excited to start taking more classes I like and doing things I am passionate about. But mainly I am just excited to keep making new friends and strengthening my pre-existing friendships. I know we are all at college to learn, but the social aspect of college is more important than people give it credit for.