Carolin Justus - '26
Double Major, Triple Threat: Justus Balances Teaching, Media, and Theater
When Carolin Justus was four years old, she sat in SWU’s Folger Auditorium watching Once Upon a Mattress. Now, as she prepares to take the stage as the title role in Anastasia, this spring’s musical, she reflects on a journey that’s come full circle—and isn’t finished yet.
“It’s really so surreal to be on the other side now,” says Justus, who grew up performing in SWU productions alongside college students. “I was a child actor with the college students who I just thought were the coolest people in the whole wide world. I’m the mentor now.” Beginning with her first role as a munchkin in The Wizard of Oz, Justus has grown up on SWU's stage, transitioning from child actor to leading lady.
Justus’s early exposure to campus life came naturally. Her grandmother Carol Sinnamon served as director of counseling and health services while also designing costumes and helping direct numerous theater productions, while her grandfather, Dr. Walt Sinnamon, served as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and chair of the science division, maintaining a saltwater aquarium in his lab that young Carolin loved to visit. Her mother would later join the theater program too, working on set design.
Currently a senior by credit hours but with three semesters remaining, Justus is pursuing a unique combination of Elementary Education and Media Communication degrees. Despite having accumulated 118 credit hours, she’s excited about what lies ahead: “I’ve got a lot of fun things ahead: practicum, student teaching, and Media Comm internships.”
Her diverse interests have led to equally diverse learning experiences. In her education courses, she’s discovered a passion for crafting lesson plans and appreciates the hands-on classroom observations. “I love how many opportunities there are for us to actually teach and treat the college students in the class as our students,” she explains. Science lessons particularly excite her: “It’s where students can be curious and be imaginative.”
Meanwhile, her Media Communication studies have helped her develop new skills, particularly in creating news packages. “That’s like a minute and twenty-three seconds to tell a story,” she explains. “You’re producing, editing, doing a stand-up for it. So you’re on camera, behind the camera; it’s a whole ordeal.”
Justus also maintains a busy performance schedule, participating in University Singers and theater productions. The 12-member University Singers group has become like family to Justus, offering opportunities to minister through music. “That’s how I feel the most connected to God—through worship,” she shares.
Last year taught her an important lesson about balance when she made the difficult decision to step away from a theatrical production. “It was the first time I learned that I’m not invincible,” she admits. “I have my limits.”
Those lessons in self-awareness have served her well as she juggles her various commitments. Her advice to other students considering multiple majors or extensive extracurricular involvement? “Know yourself, know your limits, and how much you can take. Definitely use the word ‘no’ if necessary.”
Looking ahead, Justus hopes to teach third grade after graduation in 2026, all while pursuing a master’s degree in education. “I think that’s the most formative year for kids,” she says of her preferred grade level. “The content is so rich. I really would like to be as instrumental as I can.”
But first, she’ll take on the role she’s dreamed of since seeing the show on Broadway–Anastasia. “I love historical fiction and it’s such a captivating story,” she says. The role “has been a dream of mine for a while, and I’m just so excited that it’s finally coming true.”
For Justus, it’s another milestone in a journey that began in those theater seats at age four, one that continues on the campus she’s always called home.