BUILDING Confidence @ DePaul

Social situations are tough at any age, but Madeline Karlicki puts in the effort.

The DePaul Catholic senior is proud of the person that she is now. Despite often feeling shy and anxious as a child, she has put herself out there when making new friends and getting involved.

“I feel I have grown substantially into a person that little me would be proud of,” said Karlicki, 17. “While I still have struggles when it comes to social situations, public speaking, or anxiety, I have managed to grow around them.”

She’s gained meaningful relationships with friends, the ability to talk to new people, and a sense of confidence.

Her greatest influences are the many cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and great-grandparents in her “gigantic” Ukrainian and Italian family.

Karlicki’s parents, Alex and Gina, have served as her support system.

“[They] really instilled values of hard work and persistence in me, while also making sure I know my limits and how to take care of myself,” she said. “I could not be more grateful for everyone in my family and who they have made me today.”

Karlicki is considering a Pharmacy major in the Honors Program at Rutgers – New Brunswick. It was Rutgers’ high academic standing, alumni network, and campus atmosphere that made her decision to go there simple. Her post-graduate plans are flexible. She may pursue law school, a career in Pharmacy, or graduate school.

If history is any indication, her chosen path will be meaningful. She worked with the organization Incorruptible. us, New Jersey’s Youth Tobacco Action Group, throughout high school. She joined Passaic County’s coalition in eighth grade.

Separately, she was a camp counselor last year for a social and emotional learning day camp for young girls in Nutley. Karlicki became a Girl Scout at age eight and continues volunteering. Growing up, she and her brother, Gus, participated in Clifton Recreation sports. “Clifton Rec helped me build the courage to learn how to try new things,” said Karlicki.

At DePaul, she gained the confidence to try out for the Girl’s Lacrosse team. She developed a deep appreciation as well for her Theology teacher, Ms. Jean Caughey.

“She’s been so much more than just a teacher to my entire class, with her serving more like a second mom to all of us,” said Karlicki. “Things truly would not have been the same without her guidance, and I am incredibly grateful to her for it.”

Although she didn’t attend school in Clifton, the city helped her grow closer with her family.

“So many of my family members live in Clifton and I see them almost weekly,” said Karlicki. “It gives me the opportunity to build relationships with relatives that many may not have ever met, like my third cousins who I basically see as siblings.”