Emily Henderson has a way with words.
The English/creative writing major and film studies minor from La Mirada, California, has written for multiple student publications during her time at Whittier, in addition to serving as a notetaker through Student Accessibility Services. She is currently editor-in-chief of the Quaker Campus, Whittier’s student newspaper, having previously performed the roles of copy editor, assistant news editor, deputy editor, news editor, and arts and entertainment editor.
Last year, as editor-in-chief of the Greenleaf Review, Henderson led the acclaimed student literary journal to a second-place victory in a competition hosted by the international organization of Sigma Tau Delta. She is now vice president of Whittier’s chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, and president of Media Council, which looks over student media groups on campus.
Other accomplishments include serving as the alumni relations intern for the Office of Development through the Mackenzie Scott program and directing her own short film, called Apparitions of Self, which premiered at the Whittier College Film Festival last spring.
We asked her a few questions about his life as a Poet and plans for the future.
What's next for you after graduation?
Sleep. But also there's a big world for me to explore. I want to continue writing, but I'm not sure in what capacity. I think my friends and I are going to start a magazine.
What’s a fun fact about you?
I have a shepard-mix dog named Duncan!
What’s your favorite Whittier memory?
The many, many, many late nights working on the newspaper, where at one point, you start becoming giggly at literally everything.
What was your favorite class at Whittier?
The information I use the most in my college career is Professor Joe Donnelly's Narrative Journalism class. All the techniques of how to write a cohesive creative nonfiction piece I use all the time in my writing.
What’s your favorite spot on campus?
I pretty much only hang out in the Quaker Campus office. But that place has become my second home.
If you could give your first-year self some advice, what would it be?
Use Engage! Get out there! Go to events!
As we count down toward Commencement, Whittier College is highlighting seniors with something to say. Interested in participating or want to nominate a member of the Class of 2024? Get in touch.
