By Megan Melone, Writer
Photography submitted by Charli Thurlow
Charli Thurlow is a senior mathematics major with a sociology and business minor. She is on the McKendree women’s golf team and a member of both the Phi Eta Sigma honor society as well as the Pi Mu Epsilon honor society.
I interviewed Charli about her time at McKendree and her after-school plans:
Where are you from?
THURLOW: Belleville, Illinois, about twenty minutes from here.
Why did you choose to come to McKendree?
THURLOW: I liked the idea of being close to home, which I have really enjoyed these past four years. I also liked the small close-knit classroom rather than a big, open lecture hall. Being close with my professors has been really nice and helpful, and I liked the campus when I saw it. I heard a lot of good things about it because I lived so close, and I had a couple teachers in high school that graduated from here.
Why did you choose your major?
THURLOW: I actually came in undecided; I went from a data analytics major to mathematics. I have always liked math. I am a very number-oriented person. Alewine, the main math professor here, was actually one of the big reasons why I wanted to go into math because I really enjoyed his classes.
What activities/organizations are you involved in?
THURLOW: I am a part of the women’s golf team, and I am a member of Phi Eta Sigma, an honor society here. As well as Pi Mu Epsilon, the mathematics honor society.
Tell me about women’s golf.
THURLOW: I enjoy it a lot. We are a very upbeat and close team. Practice is very laid back; I have a lot of free time and can make my own schedule. I can practice at the golf course when I want to and do my homework when it’s convenient for me which is very nice. Last semester we had a record-breaking season, and I got to be a part of that which is nice.
Tell me about your after-school plans.
THURLOW: After school, I am looking into pursuing an actuarial science or a finance career.
Do you have any advice for other students?
THURLOW: Enjoy it while you can, it does go by very quickly. Don’t have too much pressure on yourself with what major you’re gonna be or what you’re gonna do for your future, and make as many friends as you can.
