Elizabeth Ternes graduated from Carroll in 2013 with majors in French and History. During her time at Carroll, she studied abroad in Caen, France. After graduation, she taught English in France as part of the TAPIF program. She completed a Masters in Public Administration from the University of Montana in 2015, and is currently living in Washington, D.C., where she works for the U.S. Department of State.
Degree: Business Administration
Why did you choose to study business? I chose to study business because it offers a wide range of opportunities post-graduation. Business offers one the ability to run their own company or pursue a passion working for a large corporation. I enjoy the versatility of the degree and all the potential that it can offer.
The second that you step on campus, you are already a part of this big family. I have never encountered such a friendly and welcoming atmosphere and that has been such a source of comfort during my first year away from home. I explicitly remember my first day of school here at Carroll. While walking to my classes that day, at least 10 different professors smiled and greeted me.
Hometown: Salem, OR
BA high school volleyball standout, the Choteau native was accepted to a variety of schools. But when she first toured Carroll, Alissa Abentroth felt that she fit in and decided that's where I want to go to school. On Carroll's campus everyone says, 'hi, how are you doing,' Abentroth said. In addition to the family atmosphere, Abentroth liked the one-on-one attention of professors and the work ethic they instilled. When your professor knows you on a personal level, it makes you work harder, she said, a principle Abentroth transfers to everything she does.
Kim's moment.
Kim Johnson made a choice to leave a 20-year career to pursue a new goal: becoming a nurse. She juggles family and school while earning her degree in Carroll's rigorous and holistic Nursing Program. She sat down with local news KTVH-TV for a segment where she said,
The thing that I love most about Helena is the beautiful landscape. Coming from the flat, dry valleys of Eastern Montana, this place is like a dream come true. I have always wanted to live in the mountains, not only for the change of scenery, but also for the outdoor opportunities they provide. I remember the first week of school I went on a hike up to the summit of Mount Helena with the CAMP club.
My favorite aspect about Carroll is the community on campus. Students from all around the United States and other countries add variety to our campus. I would love to see our campus diversity grow! You can learn so much from others around you, whether they’re from another state or another country, everyone has a story to share. At Carroll you’ll find friendly people who want to hear your story and join you on your path to success.
My favorite aspect of Carroll is the Campus Ministry. I grew up in a Catholic home, and attending a faith-based school was highly important for me. Carroll not only supports me in my walk of faith, it also provides numerous opportunities for growth in my Catholic faith. I enjoy attending Sunday night mass with a few hundred students and community members. Outside of Sunday night mass Carroll’s campus ministry provides fun, spiritual, and enriching retreats for Carroll students, which is my favorite part of campus ministry.
My favorite thing about Helena is the FireTower Coffee House downtown! The baristas rock and they make the yummiest chai lattes and sandwiches. It exemplifies the friendly and down-to-earth attitude that the people of Helena have!
