Melissa Idzik
Melissa Idzik
Class Year
’17
Current home
Arlington Heights, Ill.
Major(s)
Psychological Science and Neuroscience
Current Position
Medical Student at Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University
Ms. Idzik graduated from Carthage in 2017 with degrees in psychological science and neuroscience. During her freshman year at Carthage, she met fellow freshman Pawel Jaworski, whom she married in 2019.
“Advancing through this school was a huge blessing and the journey was especially extraordinary because I had Pawel thriving and growing beside me. We both feel incredibly lucky to have been educated at Carthage.”
Now a medical student at Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University, Ms. Idzik hopes to specialize in emergency medicine. She volunteers at the Community Health Clinic in Chicago, the largest free clinic in the United States. She is a member of the Student American Academy of Osteopathy, and the Underserved Medicine Club, Emergency Medicine Club, and the Wilderness Medicine Club at Midwestern University.
Ms. Idzik values the support and guidance she received from her Carthage professors, naming a few who were especially influential.
“Professors Karen Walters, Bob Maleske, Leslie Cameron, Dan Miller, Dan Steiner, and Linda Greening offered encouragement and constructive feedback to help me succeed,” Ms. Idzik said. “I always felt comfortable asking for advice and opinions regarding my chosen path. Through these relationships, I was able to find job opportunities and I have enjoyed keeping in touch with such bright and kind role models.”
What have you enjoyed most about your career?
“I have enjoyed learning new information and gaining knowledge in such a short time, although it is certainly challenging. The best part is that the topics I’m learning about are not only relevant to my career, but are also interesting to me.”
How did Carthage prepare you?
“The professors at Carthage were by far the most influential aspect that helped guide me through my years at Carthage and beyond. The small class sizes allowed for students to form personal relationships with the professors who truly care about the success of their students. I learned how to form these professional connections at Carthage and was able to easily create relationships with later employers and professors, which I learned goes a long way. This has helped me stand out from a crowd and be seen as a more professional and competent student and employee.”
What's your favorite Carthage memory?
“My favorite memories revolve around meeting another student, Pawel Jaworski ’17. We began dating very early freshman year, and are now getting married in a few short months! He even proposed on the sand volleyball court on campus.
“Throughout my years at Carthage, I have grown so much as a person, student, and young professional with thanks to the amazing professors who helped shape me with all their honest advice, feedback, and wisdom. Carthage offered many learning opportunities outside the classroom, and the medical mission trip to Nicaragua truly changed me and my perspective on life; I am forever grateful for that.”
Tips for current Carthage students?
“My biggest advice to current students would be to ‘roll with the punches.’ Many students tend to have elaborate plans on exactly how and when they will reach their goal, but often times there will be unexpected challenges and life events that derail our plans. Despite any unforeseen detours in the journey, all that truly matters is reaching your end-goal, and you shouldn’t be discouraged if you have any set backs because this can lead to positive experiences that you were not expecting.”