Future Plans for Senior Carl Schmittgens
Senior Carl Schmittgens reflects on his experiences completing a major in Theology and Religious Studies:
It is surreal to think that my time at Rockhurst is almost up. It seems like yesterday I was a junior in high school touring the school. There were two things that I was primarily looking for when deciding which college to attend: a loving campus ministry community and an inspiring theology department. I certainly hit the jackpot when it comes to those two. I have been incredibly blessed to have completed my Theology and Religious Studies degree with the help of the department. Throughout the nine theology courses I have taken, I have had four different professors: Dr. Stancil, Dr. Prentiss, Dr. Young, and Dr. Stramara. I am so grateful for the hard work, determination, and compassion each of these professors pour into their courses. I truly would not be the man I am today if it was not for the guidance, wisdom, and encouragement they have given me. During my time here at Rockhurst, I have primarily focused on Christian theology, taking courses that study the Christian Sacraments, books in the Bible such as the Gospel according to John and the Book of Revelation, and the aftermath of encounters between Christianity and non-Christian peoples within colonialist contexts.
After I graduate Rockhurst, I aspire to either teach high school theology or work as a high school campus minister. I am originally from St. Louis, but after loving these last few years in Kansas City, I have decided to stay here for a little bit longer. I am fortunate that like St. Louis, Kansas City has several amazing Catholic high schools to apply to and possibly work for. My theology professors have been an inspiration to me on how to conduct and teach a theology class, and I am confident I will succeed as a theology teacher, following in their footsteps. I would love to give back to the next generation of students and be a guiding light in their journeys. I only hope and pray I can be as motivating, welcoming, and supportive to my students as my theology professors at Rockhurst have been to me.
