Student Spotlight - Marcus Carlstrom

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Student Spotlight - Marcus Carlstrom

After 15 years as an infantry officer in the United States Marine Corps, Marcus Carlstrom knew he wasn't finished serving. "I wanted to continue serving in a role where I could help others grow." A personal highlight for him as a Marine was seeing others become even better and stronger versions of themselves. "One of the most meaningful parts of leading Marines was helping young people develop confidence, discipline, and a sense of responsibility."

After retiring from the military, Marcus chose to invest in young athletes by working with the University of North Carolina football program, along with teaching Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC). "These experiences helped me see a path forward," Marcus shared. "Today, I teach World Geography and coach football at Pittsburg High School (Pittsburg, TX). The setting has changed but helping young people prepare for challenges remains central to my work."

Although his military experience taught Marcus how to lead and mentor young people, his A&M Texarkana coursework is helping him better understand how they learn and develop. "Working with high school students requires understanding their ages, backgrounds, abilities, and individual needs," Marcus shared. "In my Human Growth and Development coursework with Dr. Debora Shidemantle, I've been able to connect what we study with what I see in the classroom. It encourages me to think more carefully about how I explain concepts, build relationships, and support students who may need a different approach."

Marcus appreciates the opportunity to immediately apply what he is learning in his own classroom. "As someone teaching while pursuing my master's degree and certification, I value being able to put that learning into practice."

Teaching has created new opportunities to serve through his everyday interactions with students. "That might mean helping a student understand a challenging concept, encouraging an athlete through a setback, or showing a young person that someone believes in them and expects them to succeed."

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Across each role, Marcus has found fulfillment in seeing young people grow. "I want my students and players to leave with more confidence, a stronger sense of responsibility, and the willingness to keep working when something is difficult. Geography and football provide opportunities to teach those lessons."

For Marcus, the impact extends beyond a practice, game, quiz, or test. "What makes the work meaningful is knowing those lessons can stay with them long after they leave my classroom or the field."