Denise Henzen

Western Connecticut State University student Denise Henzen grew up in the Netherlands, a small country in Northwestern Europe, and attended a high school that focused on encouraging its students to become global citizens. “Creating and having a broad view of the world was a central point in my studies, as well as appreciating culture and arts and daring to amaze and create with our own talents,” Henzen said. “I think my high school played a huge part in the life choices I have made after graduating and I am very grateful for my time there.”

As a high school student, however, Henzen said she didn’t feel prepared to commit to what she wanted to study in college. “Both the high school and college systems work very differently in Europe in comparison with the U.S. and in my opinion, I was extremely young when I had to make a decision on what I wanted to do with the rest of my life,” she explained. “I had a hard time accepting the system in Europe, as it had little room for flexibility, which is something I need. I did not want to make the decision at such a young age, and I couldn’t.”

To figure things out, Henzen took a gap year. “I think it was important to listen to my intuition,” she said. “I started feeling like something was missing for me in the place I grew up in. I am very adventurous, and I always need something to look forward to or to excite me. As soon as I feel like doors are closing in on me, I feel unhappy and trapped. This made me realize it was time for me to leave home. I had pretty much seen all of the Netherlands and European countries around me, and I was ready for a bigger adventure.”

Henzen said she always knew that she would attend college after her gap year, but studying abroad had never crossed her mind in a serious way. “One of my friends mentioned it to me and I got curious, so I started researching the U.S. college system and I found it to be a better fit with who I am holistically in comparison to the European college system,” she said. “It is much broader and has a greater amount of flexibility in comparison to the European college system. I also liked the fact that I could continue my studies in a second language, a language I really enjoyed learning and one that would give me an advantage globally, as I want to have a global career. The fact that, even though I already was fluent in English, I would have the opportunity to better it and broaden my vocabulary, was something that got me excited and sold me on the idea of studying abroad.”

(l-r) Denise Henzen with her sister, Mila.

That is why, in spring 2022, Henzen enrolled at Norwalk Community College. “I decided to start at a community college, so as not to be overwhelmed by American university life,” she said. “I wanted to ease myself into this already very different college system so I could take everything in at my own pace, and I am glad I did. During my second semester at NCC, I received an invitation from Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, and was inducted into the society in November 2022.”

Henzen continued, “After my third semester at NCC, I knew it was time for me to transfer to a university. I was doing great in college and not only was I curious, but I had a craving to educate myself more, as I have realized that my education is the only thing that no one can take away from me. I knew that WestConn would give me the opportunity to explore my interests, while also preparing me for a wide variety of careers, which is the perfect combination for me. It is also a very affordable university, even for international students, while offering education of great quality,” she added. “WestConn has so far been a great fit for me in continuing my academic journey, as it is a diverse school that broadens my worldview even more and that allows me to create opportunities and success out of the curiosity I innately possess.”

Henzen is majoring in Marketing in WestConn’s Ancell School of Business and says she has enjoyed every class she has taken and has found inspiration from several of her professors, including Writing Adjunct Professor James Lomuscio, and Assistant Professor of Management Dr. Alexandra Galli-Debicella. “I always knew I wanted to be in the field of business, but the marketing concentration gives me an outlet for my creative side, which is great for me,” she said. “I adore reading and writing, and these hobbies go hand in hand with my major, which makes my classes even more inspiring for me personally.”

As the fall 2024 semester is about to begin, Henzen will return for her third stint working as a student assistant at the Haas Library on the Midtown campus. “I love working at the library, as it is a place where everyone comes together, both students and faculty, and I really enjoy helping everyone. The library belongs to all of us on campus, regardless of major, and I think that places that unite people in this way are very special. I love reading, and the library just feels like a second home for me. When I’m not working, you can still find me there studying or just reading for pleasure.”

Unlike her hesitation to commit to a career in high school, Henzen is clear on her plans going forward. “After I graduate, I plan on working for a while to gain more experience in my field and after a few years I am going to go to grad school,” she said. “I want to start writing a book in the upcoming years as well. I also dream of getting a Ph.D. someday, as I love learning and pushing myself to do more; and gaining knowledge is one of the things that makes my life exciting. I always want to experience more and get everything I possibly can out of life. I also am a person with a very strong will, and I am determined and ambitious and I will not stop until I know that my work is good, and that what I leave behind is of quality, because otherwise it is meaningless and useless to others, as well as to myself.”

Henzen has advice for high school students who, like she once was, are unsure what degree program to commit to. “Follow your intuition above all, and make the decision yourself, and for yourself,” she said. “College catapults you into the rest of your adult life and it is extremely important to just follow your heart, as cliché as that may sound. My time here at WestConn has been beautiful and I know it will only get better from here.

“The university is extremely diverse,” Henzen added, “and you can really learn a lot by listening to all the different stories of your peers as well as the faculty and staff. WestConn offers all that you may need, from the Midtown campus where there are tons of fun things to do, to the Westside campus, which has a calmer feel and has a beautiful nature preserve if you need some peace and quiet. Both campuses are equally as inspiring as the people that make use of them. WestConn will feel like home, whether you are from the area or from across the pond like me.”

Western Connecticut State University changes lives by providing all students with a high-quality education that fosters their growth as individuals, scholars, professionals and leaders in a global society. Our vision: To be widely recognized as a premier public university with outstanding teachers and scholars who prepare students to contribute to the world in a meaningful way.