After graduating from high school, figuring out what passion to pursue can be daunting. The different post-high school options vary, including college, vocational school or the workforce. Some people even realize in their adult years that they want to switch paths.
This is exactly the situation English adolescent education major Jamie Henshaw found himself in. After high school, he went to college, but after attending school for a couple of years with the dream of becoming a veterinarian, Henshaw chose a different path. He left his university and began to work at a factory in Canandaigua. While working there, he realized he wanted to become an English teacher.
“I worked at a factory [in Canandaigua] for 12 years, and after finding myself in a lot of teaching jobs there and training and stuff—and doing a lot of work to rewrite their paperwork and stuff too—I was like ‘you know what, this is what I want to do, teaching and the English stuff,’” Henshaw said. “I came back here.”
In addition to being a student, he is also the father of four children. He discusses the balance he must manage between school and parenting.
“My oldest is 12 [years old] right now and when I told her I was coming back to school she was 10. I was filling out an application for coming here and she came over and said, ‘What are you doing?’” Henshaw said. “I showed her that I was trying to come here to be an English teacher and she was so happy that she started to cry.”
Last semester Henshaw was also a tutor for the Access Opportunity Programs department and said he wants students to understand that tutoring help is also available.
“Last semester I was able to tutor with the AOP department on campus and gained some experience with teaching. Many areas [on this campus] offer tutors and look for help every semester,” Henshaw said. “Everyone should be aware that tutoring is available, and I hope that everybody can feel comfortable seeking help with understanding new and sometimes complicated things.”
He was also awarded the Don Watt scholarship, which continues to be a source of inspiration for him.
“In the spring of [2019] the English department also recognized that I’m kind of a non-traditional student. Between that and working my tail off for really good grades, they awarded me the Don Watt [scholarship],” Henshaw said. “It is a scholarship and an acknowledgement for [my diligence]. Don Watt was the name for the man who the non-traditional English department scholarship was made. [This acknowledgement] truly inspires me every week.”
Not every person knows exactly what they want to do right out of high school. Life can be full of twists and turns, which are usually unexpected. But sometimes good emerges and can make life more unique and interesting. Henshaw’s inspirational and admirable journey is a testament to that.