It took Henry four times, but he finally got it right.

After starting out as an architecture major, Henry flirted with landscape architecture and graphic design before settling into a double major in art and design and apparel, merchandising, design, and production.

“A lot of people switch majors and I think that is all apart of being in college and trying different things,” Henry said. “I have both my adviser and Hixson Program Director, Debra, to thank. They both helped me with my decision to switch majors. It is nice to have them there to help me weigh my options and find the best route for me.

“Though I might be here an extra semester or two, it only adds to the excitement because I get to be apart of campus traditions one last time.”

The confession

Henry has a confession to make.

“I like shopping. I’ll admit it,” Henry said. “I’m a guy who likes shopping. I like to buy new clothes. Usually my friends come and pull me aside and ask me what to wear.

“I think you need to have some basic knowledge of fashion to be an apparel major. Not only do I get to learn about the clothes I wear, I learn about how they are made. Now every time I shop I check the fabric quality.”

Besides educating people on what not to wear, Henry enjoys exploring his creative side through class projects.

“Though they can be hard and time consuming, they seem to turn out pretty well,” Henry said. “My major is something that I really enjoy.”

In Henry’s courses he is learning business etiquette for internship and career settings. What to wear. What to say. How to write a cover letter and resume. Interview expectations. Managing internship and job searches. Henry’s ready for his next adventure.

“I can put what I have learned to the test and really kick it into high gear,” he said.

Paying it forward

One hundred high school seniors throughout Iowa receive the Hixson Opportunity Award each year, and Henry helps prepare those students for success by serving as a Hixson Seminar Leader.

“The Hixson Seminar is like an orientation course,” Henry said. “We teach students about Iowa State’s history, campus resources, time management, personality tests, etc. Each week we focus on a different theme. We’re also helping students connect with each other and meet other students who are also Hixson’s.”

Henry said the biggest positive of the program is the relationships that are formed throughout the years.

“I still talk to my seminar leaders from my freshman year,” he said. “I was a seminar leader last year and people still come up to me and ask me questions. Since you’re close in age, new students feel more comfortable asking you things. I think it’s a great help.”

Stepping it up

Some of Henry’s greatest experiences at Iowa State have come through helping others. Besides serving as a Hixson Seminar Leader, Henry spent a year as a Cyclone Aide acclimating students and their families to the university through the orientation and Destination Iowa State programs.

“I had a great time being a Cyclone Aide and meeting all the incoming students,” Henry said. “I really enjoyed helping people get around campus and showing them what Iowa State has to offer. The parents are my favorite, with all of their random and fun questions they would ask.

“Being a Cyclone Aide and Hixson Seminar Leader I really had to step up my game because these new students were looking up to me as somewhat of a role model.”