Caroline Warrick-Schkolnik ’22
Class Year
2022
Area(s) of Study
Major: English
Minors: Art and Art History
Hometown
Westerville, OH
Internships
American Writers Museum in Chicago
Caroline Warrick-Schkolnik ’22 is a current student in the English program. She completes an internship with the American Writers Museum in Chicago in the summer of 2021 and is studying English abroad at Oxford University in England during the fall semester of 2021.
What drew you to Lake Forest College? I was drawn to Lake Forest because of the small class sizes, the close-knit community, and the many opportunities that were offered. I was particularly drawn to the internship opportunities and the study abroad program.
What motivated you to study English? I have always loved English and have always loved to read and write. For me, majoring in English was a no-brainer.
What practical skills that you have learned in your English classes do you find yourself using most? The more non-English classes I take, the more I value my English major. Being a comfortable and competent writer is an important skill for any field, and, as an English major, I’ve had a lot of writing experience. I also feel like I’ve developed a deeper sense of curiosity in general, and the desire to learn and ask questions is also universally valuable.
How do your studies in English help you engage with the world in a different way? I think that majoring in English has given me more confidence, especially in a professional setting. With solid writing skills and a general desire to learn, interacting with the world becomes easier and much more interesting
What are a couple of the most memorable classes or research opportunities you've completed in the English department? I have had so many memorable and exciting opportunities through the English department. I’ve written a poetry anthology and a research paper on my favorite author, Kurt Vonnegut. I was also able to complete an internship with the American Writers Museum in Chicago in the summer of 2021 and am studying English abroad at Oxford University in England during the fall semester of 2021.
What are you working on right now that excites you? I am excited for my upcoming study abroad experience, where I will be taking English classes in British and Irish Drama, as well as a semester-long study on Virginia Woolf.
What advice would you give to incoming students who are interested in studying English? I would tell incoming English majors that you are going to have to work hard in English courses at Lake Forest, but it’s definitely worth it. The opportunities for passionate English students here are incredible. I always thought that being an English major meant that I would be unemployed forever, but the opportunities and connections I have made through Lake Forest have shown me that this is not the case.