Michael Motyka
Michael Motyka
Class Year
’21
Current home
Chicago, Illinois
Major(s)
Psychology
Current Position
Therapist at Simply Bee Counseling
After graduating from Carthage with a degree in psychology and a minor in biology, Michael Motyka ’21 started a career as a clinical mental health therapist. He specializes in sport performance, working with children and adolescents who are struggling with anxiety, depression, OCD, and perfectionism. In addition to this, he leads workshops and groups to support patients by teaching them about a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
Mr. Motyka still stays involved with Carthage by maintaining contact with faculty members and supporting the volleyball team. “I continue to stay involved with Carthage because I built such a community there,” says Mr. Motyka. “The relationships that I got out of it meant a lot to me, so I knew I couldn’t drop it once I graduated.”
What have you enjoyed most about your career?
“What I have enjoyed most about my career is that every day I come into work, I have the opportunity to make an impact on someone’s life. Whether it’s asking them about their day, helping them process and get through a challenging experience, or just providing a safe, comfortable space, I can give them opportunities that they may not have elsewhere.”
How did Carthage prepare you?
“I think the sense of community and connection really helped me prepare for my career. Carthage allowed me to build a network of support systems that cared for me as a human being and gave me plenty of opportunities for growth. That’s exactly what I do in my career.”
Why did you choose Carthage?
“I chose Carthage because it allowed me to be who I wanted to be. Faculty and staff didn’t tell me I had to just be an athlete or just a student. I could be an athlete, student, worker, and member of multiple clubs while I was there.”
What opportunities were made possible because of your Carthage experience?
“I could live out my goals of playing collegiate volleyball and winning a national championship.”
What Carthage professors played a part in your success and how?
“Professor Ingrid Tiegel was a huge part of my success at Carthage. She was my psychology professor in multiple classes, and the way she taught her classes really inspired me to get into this field. I think having close relationships with faculty has really made my experience special because when I was struggling, I always felt like I had someone there to help guide me through it and get me to where I needed to be.”
What role have the values in Carthage's mission, "Seeking Truth, Building Strength, Inspiring Service — Together" played in your life?
“I think these values played a big role in my life because it led me to be a genuine, curious, and authentic person. Being able to find myself and value myself while also finding it in others around me has really changed my perspective on the way I approach life.”
What's your favorite Carthage memory?
“My number one favorite memory is winning Carthage’s first national championship in 2021. I also loved working in the Office of Admissions over the summer and giving so many tours to prospective students.”
Tips for current Carthage students?
“My biggest advice to share with students is to take advantage of every opportunity and learn to love to learn. There is so much out there that we don’t know about ourselves, the community or the world we live in, so just be curious and take every opportunity you can get.”