Student Spotlight: Emily Henry

Sudburian and future educator, Emily Henry, will graduate from the Concurrent Education program at Laurentian University this June. She is looking forward to putting her love of math and teaching into practice, inspiring the next generation of high school students in Sudbury.

Growing up as the older sister to two brothers, Emily was always teaching her siblings. This is where her interest in teaching began, however teaching wasn’t always her chosen career. Emily graduated from Lasalle Secondary School in 2019, and then completed a Bachelor of Arts degree with a specialization in Psychology at Laurentian.

Emily had first enrolled in Laurentian’s Psychology undergraduate program because she wanted to understand more about how people think and had a drive to make a social impact, although she wasn’t sure how she would accomplish this yet. After participating in her first-day orientation, Emily mentioned to her campus tour guide how much she liked teaching and leadership. Her tour guide explained the benefits of Laurentian’s Concurrent Education program and encouraged Emily to enroll in the dual degree option while completing her Bachelors of Psychology.

“I was immediately interested in the option so my tour guide sent an email to the Laurentian registrar’s office right away,” said Emily, reflecting on that pivotal moment in her academic journey. “I remember being very surprised by how quick the process was to transfer into the program. They were really accommodating to get me to where I was supposed to be.”

Emily chose mathematics as a teachable, though math wasn’t always her favourite subject. “I didn’t like math for a long time because I wasn’t quick at it. I felt like I wasn’t good. In Grade 12, I took a math course with a teacher who really showed me that you don’t have to be fast at math to be great. I remember he really ignited my passion for it,” said Emily.  The objective nature and certainty of math drew Emily to the subject. Now, she wants to have that same kind of impact on her future students. 

Her ambition for empowering her students doesn't end there. As an advocate for mental health, Emily plans on placing student acceptance as a priority within her class. “I am really passionate about every student feeling welcome in my classroom. I want to be an educator that fosters that kind of space,” said Emily.

Now nearly finished her time at Laurentian, Emily looks back on her student experience in the Concurrent Education program with pride. 

“The professors are all amazing and helped create important bonds among students and educators that truly supported our learning. Shirley McKnight, Carolyn Crang, Michele Henschel are women that I look up to and deeply appreciate how their support and guidance have made me a confident future educator,” said Emily.

In just a couple months, Emily will graduate. She says she feels ready to take on teaching and looks forward to a long career in her hometown. For now, Emily is completing her last Practicum Placement at Lasalle Secondary School. In a full circle moment, she is teaching math at her old high school alongside the same teachers who once taught and inspired her.