Rowan Henchy
What is the most fundamental change you’ve experienced since your time as a first-year student?
I would say the most fundamental change I have seen in myself within the past four years is my confidence. It’s not that I have been a shy person, but I have surrounded myself with a community that accepts every part of who I am. I came into Wake with my tail between my legs afraid my outgoingness would push people away. Instead, it did the opposite and drew in my best friends. I now realize that its too much work trying to be someone else, it’s not worth it, especially with how fast these four years go by.
What non-academic experience at Wake Forest was most meaningful to you?
Joining my sorority, Chi Omega, and serving on the executive board.
What song or songs will always remind you of your time at Wake Forest? Why?
Last Night’s Mascara (lol)
Wake Forest’s Pro Humanitate motto is a guiding philosophy for many students and alumni. Did it have an impact on your student experience and has it influenced your plans for the future?
I have learned to appreciate my strengths and how to share my love for things such as animals or reading with others. It impacted my student experience, but I never found myself referencing the motto, just keeping the general idea in the back of my head. I have always enjoyed learning about others and being compassionate to better the lives of others.
What was your favorite class outside your major or minor areas of study and why did it appeal to you?
I am currently in an acting 101 class. Even though I love improv and acting classes, I find this class a self-reflecting experience. I am seeing myself from an outside perspective and learning more about how and why I act with others. Like I said I love acting, but I am not taking any acting classes to count towards my major/minor.
Wake Forest has lots of traditions, and sometimes students create their own. Do you have a favorite Wake Forest tradition?
Probably pitsgiving.
What surprised you most about your Wake Forest experience?
The seriousness of club sports.
Who most impacted your Wake Forest experience?
Probably my Broadcast Journalism Professor, Melissa Painter.
What was the most rewarding experience you had as a Wake Forest student?
Finishing my first play here at Wake. Also trying out for about 6 different things and not getting any callbacks/roles/parts. It was crushing at the time, but awesome now.
Imagine you return to campus for your 10-year reunion. What do you hope will remain the same? What do you hope will be different?
I hope Tribble is gone but that the campus structure itself stays the same. I hope the student sports dedication stays the same, or honestly increases. I hope Workday becomes easier for… everyone.
Now that you are a graduating student, what advice do you wish you could have given yourself as an incoming student four years ago?
Spend as much time with friends as possible, but it’s ok to tap out sometimes and give yourself a break. You can’t be everywhere all at once because then you will break down and not be able to function.
Compare your career plans as a first-year student with your career plans now. Why did your plans change or not change?
For the most part they have stayed the same, which is great for my resume, however, I have established that I would like to be on the more creative side of my industry. My screenwriting class reminded me how much I love writing for comedy, and my short story class reminded me how much I love character development. But my journalism and politics classes also reminded me of the importance of the news and a powerful story. With my passion lying both in news and creativity, I have now realized where I want my path to go, however first-year student me would have just wanted to cover hard news.