Caroline Manning, ’20
Major: Psychology
Concentrations: Public Policy and Service (Ford), Honors, Education
Hometown: Bloomfield Hills, MI
With what organizations are you involved on campus?
- Intervarsity Christian Fellowship
- Cross Country
- Track & Field
Why did you choose Ford?
Why did you choose Ford?
I chose Ford because regardless of what occupation I have in the future, it will always be important to be able to integrate public service in order to help serve my surrounding community. In addition, the Ford Institute has already played a key role in helping me grow my network in the local community, as well as around other places in Michigan, which will continue to be very beneficial throughout my time at Albion, as well as after I graduate.
What current issue/topic is important to you?
As a prospective teacher, the issue of education is very important to me. I strongly believe that all children have the right to quality education, yet many children across the United States are deprived of this right. Learning about the interconnectedness of different levels government when it comes to education has really helped me to understand the complex nature of the system. In addition, I have been able to get an up-close understanding of how the local education system works through my service with the local district.
In what ways have you been involved with this cause at Albion?
During my first semester, I spent time volunteering at a local elementary school, as well as teaching kids at the Whitehouse Nature Center. Throughout my time at Albion, I plan on continuing my service at different schools in the local district, thus helping to further these kids’ education.
What has been the most influential moment for you thus far at Albion College?
Rather than a specific moment, what has been most influential to me has been the amount of opportunities I have had to think of ideas and then implement them with the support of the dedicated professors at Albion. One of example of this took place my first semester. I had an assignment for my public service class to notice a challenge facing the Albion Community, and then to present a solution proposal to my class, and other community members. The challenge that came to mind was to implement a program that would help teenagers in the community suffering from mental illnesses. Not only was I able to come up with a proposal idea and present it to community members, but now I am working with different professors to actually implement this idea in the near future.
What do you envision yourself doing after Albion?
After Albion, I envision myself becoming a high school teacher, teaching either psychology or math.