B lazing the Trail

Our ability to imagine success sets our limit to achieve. However, the prospect of attending college can feel painfully out of reach for children from small towns like Shelton, Wash., where 27% of youth live in poverty

(U.S. Census Bureau, 2021). For an elder sibling of 12 from Shelton, a running scholarship to Saint Martin’s University became proof that dreams could be lived.

“There are so many people who have guided me to get where I am,” responded Carstens, before pausing to reflect on her academic and athletic achievements at Saint Martin’s. She had arrived early for her interview and was sitting attentively upright in a wobbly swivel chair. Her inviting personality, bright eyes and eager smile charged the room with an upbeat energy likely reserved for youthful longdistance runners.

As a student athlete, Carstens juggles rigorous training for Cross Country and Track & Field while attending full-time school and carving out time for relationships. She has maintained a 3.87 cumulative GPA while paving several firsts for women’s running at Saint Martin’s University.

Her achievements during the 2022-23 academic year include being voted as Newcomer of the Year, Athlete of the Year, staking her claim as the fifthfastest freshman in the nation for Division-II sports, becoming the fastest-ever women’s Cross-Country runner for Saint Martin’s, winning All-Region Great Northwest Athletic Conference Honors and being voted as GNAC Athlete of the Week, twice.

“I’m expected to be this great student and great athlete,” acknowledged Carstens, opening up about how it feels to be in the spotlight. “But, I am human. The community here understands that, and gives me the flexibility I need.”

As a previous 2A Washington Track & Field State Champion for both the 1600-meter and 3200-meter running events, pressure to perform and outdo her previous bests in college felt heavy. However, Saint Martins’ tight-knit community provided Carstens the encouragement she needed.

“I’m so grateful for the support I’ve received, from my professors to my coaches, parents and grandparents,” said Carstens, after sharing how one her professors cheered her on at Cross Country Nationals. “It’s what makes Saint Martin’s so special.” As she reflected on her first collegiate experience competing on a national level, she continued, “It made me realize my potential if I work hard.”

For Carstens, good grades and hard training opened the door to opportunity. She says for funding college, “I absolutely rely on support, so I’m very grateful.”

When she isn’t running or catching up on homework, Carstens works on developing herself socially and as a leader. She has re-invigorated the University’s Indigenous Peoples Alliance, a group hoping to improve indigenous recognition and inclusiveness. Carstens says she accepts challenges because she is determined to blaze a trail for her 10 younger family members and to help them realize their potential.

“I come from a big family, and going to college can seem out of reach,” she explained, “They look at me now and realize that it is possible. It’s important to me to be the best example.”

Carstens has taken her responsibility as a leader to heart and hopes to continue inspiring her family and others, embracing both the challenges and imperfections of life.

Join us for the 2023 Saint Martin’s University Gala as we host three special guests, Chefs Tom Douglas, Thierry Rautureau, also known as The Chef in The Hat™, and Italian butcher Dario Cecchini.

Guests will be surrounded by a rustic Pacific Northwest atmosph ere, while hosts Dario, Tom and Thierry bring their unique style and flavors, creating a culina ry experience that will be truly one-of-a-kind.

Dario Cecchini is a butcher, restaurateur and owner of a historic butcher shop in the town of Panzano in Chianti, Italy. Cecchini is famous for his theatrical style and his engaging personality, making him a beloved figure in the culinary world.

Tom Douglas, Seattle-based restaurateur renowned chef and author, has a passion for using locally sourced ingredients and incorporating regional flavors into his dishes. Chef Douglas has won multiple James Beard Awards, including Best Chef in the Northwest in 1994, and conti nues to be recognized for his contributions to the culinary industry.

Thierry Rautureau , known as The Chef in The Hat™, was born in the Loire Valley of France and is based in Seattle. Chef Rautureau has over 40 years of experience in t he culinary industry and is known for his innovative approach to classic French cuisine. He has been hono red with multiple James Beard Awards, including Best Chef in the Pacific Northwest in 1998, and has a ppeared on a number of cooking shows, including Top Chef and Iron Chef America.

Learn more about the evening, event tickets and sponsorship opportunities at www.stmartin.edu/gala or call 360-438-4366.