Azariah Oates
Azariah Oates
Class Year
’27
Hometown
Racine, Wisconsin
Major(s)
Graphic Design
Minor(s)
Data Science
Azariah Oates ’27 has access to many exciting opportunities for involvement at Carthage. As a member of the Carthage Activities Board, she helps plan fun activities for all students, such as the iconic bingo nights, when hundreds of students gather and compete to win prizes. She also enjoys participating in major campus events for students, like the Kickoff Carnival at the beginning of every year. “It is the best social gathering I’ve seen, with a fair ride, games, food, drinks, karaoke, and so much more,” she says. “It’s a great way to meet people and maybe find your future best friend.”
A major in graphic design with a minor in data science, Azariah also makes sure to seize every opportunity she can at Carthage to help her reach her goal of becoming a freelance graphic designer for small businesses. With the help of The Aspire Center, Carthage’s career development program, she landed an internship as a digital navigator for the City of Racine. “They helped me list my skills, write out my goals for the future, prepare for the career fair, and send thank-you notes to the businesses who contacted me,” she says. Through the internship, she gained hands-on experience, connections in the graphic design industry, and helped members of the community.
Learn more about The Aspire Program
Why Carthage?
“I chose Carthage because of the four-year guarantee of graduation, the challenging curriculum, and the small class sizes that offer one-on-one time with the professors if I ever feel lost. The location is also so close to home so that whenever I feel homesick, I can go spend the weekend with my family. I also love Carthage’s pride and joy — the beautiful view of Lake Michigan.”
Faculty mentors
“Having Professor Annette Duncan as a professor in Intellectual Foundations was a real treat. I loved listening to her speak, and she made the class fun to interact with. I gradually came more and more out of my shell and learned how to express my opinions. Even after that class ended, I would come to her office to say hello and share my experiences. I had the chance to have her again for Introduction to Literary Studies of Native Americans. It was just as eye-opening as the last class I had with her. She is purely amazing.”
Favorite class
“It’s between Animation with Professor Joshua McGowan and Graphic Design with Professor Kelly Kruse. Both classes have pushed me far past my limits in art skills, but the knowledge I’ve obtained over the past few months has helped me get some hands-on experience and create things I didn’t know I could. I love graphic designing, but I feel like animation should be a big part of it.”
Campus involvement
“I am thoroughly involved in Carthage Activities Board, and I’m preparing to take on the role of a CAB representative, which gives me a leadership position in Student Government. In the Writing Center, I am working to become an advanced fellow.”
Internships or campus employment
“Last summer, I worked as a digital navigator for the City of Racine. Our goal was to conquer the digital divide and help everyone acquire access to working tech and free lessons on using the technology. My job entailed teaching senior citizens at two shelters, one in downtown Racine and the other in my neighborhood. I was also tasked with creating my own lesson plans and researching suitable resources to help back up our curriculum. I established many relationships with my co-workers and citizens of Racine, helped advertise our group as a free resource, and attained one-on-one work with a client.”
Favorite spot on campus
“I would live in the library if I could. It’s so quiet and peaceful, and everyone respects their own space. The study rooms are the bomb! They’re the best place to go if you need a private place to study. There are many areas you can take a nap in, not to mention the librarians and the staff at the front desk are so kind and thoughtful. Every time I enter the library, there are crafts, puzzles, and sometimes even snacks for free to help students de-stress. I love the Hedberg Library.”
Favorite memory
“Carthage hosts a carnival at the beginning of every new year; it is the best social gathering I’ve seen, with a fair ride, games, food, drinks, karaoke, and so much more. It’s a great way to meet people and maybe find your future best friend. Another fun highlight is bingo night; every bingo is filled with fun, extravagant prizes, and excitement. But I think what I like the most about it is that I get to be the caller; I love hyping up the crowd, making jokes, and seeing the pure happiness in the winner’s eyes when they confirm their bingo cards.”
Best study tip
“Plan at least one hour and a half to study your hardest subject, and flashcards are always a plus, especially when memorizing or planning to give a presentation. Get plenty of sleep the night before, don’t overdo it, and cramming never helps. And try using shortcuts to help you remember something, like a word’s definition.”
Best tip for making friends
“Go to social gatherings you like; you’ll probably meet like-minded individuals who share similar ideas and opinions. Join a club you are interested in.”
What would your 8-year-old self think of you now?
“8-year-old me would be happy to know I never gave up on art and never went far away to another country. I think she would be excited about what I’m doing, where I’ve worked, the people I’ve met, and the community I’m a part of. When I was 8 years old, I wanted to try working a job that involved teaching somehow. I had that internship with the City of Racine, which was the best experience in the field of teaching I have ever had.”