A Positive Impact
Carter Welch’s journey to Midland was different than most students. He recalls his first visit to campus in March of 2019, when a major flood hit the area around Fremont, effectively stranding everyone. It was a time that could have easily been a time of increased stress for Carter and his family. However, after witnessing the people at Midland work to accommodate families on visits who were now stranded, Carter quickly realized the type of community he would be joining as a student.
“I visited my senior year of high school in the spring, and Fremont got flooded and became an island, and I was stuck here. It was interesting to see how I could be eight hours away from home and still have a sense of community here because everyone in admissions worked to place us with a family here in Fremont to stay with. Otherwise, we would have had to stay in our cars or a shelter. To have that be my first experience with Midland, it opened my eyes to the fact that this was a place I could find a ton of support.”
Carter has always been someone that has wanted to help others and put his best foot forward to make a positive impact on those around him. In Carter’s experience, Midland has been a place that has allowed him to grow in that mindset.
“For me, being involved and making connections only allows you a better understanding of where other people come from, what they are going through, and how you can best serve them in whatever relationship you have with them.”
As Carter continues to decide whether or not he will use his sociology and psychology majors for industrial teaching or research, he continues to have a desire to make a positive impact regardless of what field he ends up in. Carter sees having all of these experiences at Midland, with a host of different people with different backgrounds, is allowing him to keep that mindset at the center of whatever work he decides to pursue post-graduation.
“Regardless of what I decide to do, the idea of bettering society and bettering other people is at the center of both of these career paths. The experience I have had at Midland has allowed me the opportunity to understand that desire and grow further in it through all of my experiences, both good and bad.”
For his peers, Carter encourages them to find what they are passionate about, whatever form that takes, and just run with it. It won’t always be easy, but it will be a more meaningful pursuit in the end.
“Do what makes you happy. Don’t let yourself be deterred from anything because it is difficult or you don’t have support, because support comes with time and time also comes with support.”
Carter Welch is a junior psychology and sociology major from Bloomer, WI. To share your story or nominate a friend, email social@midlandu.edu or post using #FacesofMidland.
