The Sophian

Issue date: 11/19/09 Section: Features

Like many seniors, Brooke A. Henderson '10 has learned and grown during her time at Smith College, becoming an integral part of both the academic and social communities. Yet apart from the sense of tradition so imperative to Henderson's love of Smith, she has pushed beyond boundaries to the international political sphere.

From the beginning, Henderson was eager to come to Smith. Hailing from Virginia, this well-coiffed Southerner had fully researched the country's higher academic institutions but was especially attracted to the beauty of the sprawling Smith campus and the lasting community tradition.

Four years later, Henderson has achieved those lasting connections and proceeds into the future with further drive.

True to Smith style, Henderson is dually social and serious. She loves stationery and tennis but is passionate about domestic and international politics. With the help of the alumnae network, Henderson interned for AARP and Americans for Tax Reform, a prominent D.C. think tank and lobbying group.

The Smith connection was meaningful for Henderson. "Working alongside highly accomplished Smithies was inspiring," she said. "The experience helped me hone in on my political interests."

Yet, after two summers at D.C. lobbying firms, Henderson was eager to test her skills in a new setting. She spent last summer interning in Beijing, focusing on public relations and governmental affairs.

Henderson loved the experience. She contributed to the environmental sustainability plans for several large multinational corporations and researched ongoing efforts to reform the Chinese health-care system.

Among these professional forays, Henderson also found time to explore the Chinese landscape. She traveled parts of the Silk Road in Xi'an and also Tianjin, where she viewed everything from terracotta soldiers to Muslim and European architecture.

In China, Henderson sampled authentic Peking duck, hiked for miles and made friends along the Great Wall with whom she remains in contact. One of these contacts was a Boston high- school student considering attending Smith. "I really did advocate for Smith on the Great Wall," she said with a laugh.

Upon returning for the fall semester, Henderson continued to successfully foster connections with fellow Smith students. She has lived in Scales House throughout her entire Smith career and deeply appreciates the diversity of friendships she has made there.

"I love how when I had the flu, that even my cute adopted little sister in the house came and offered to sleep on the floor and take care of me, and I did similar things for my big sisters," she explained.

"That's what sisterhood is about, and that's amazing."

From start to finish, the connections at Smith College have propagated Henderson's successes, both in her burgeoning career and in quality friendships.

Next year, Henderson aims to return to public relations, lobbying or potentially Asia. There is also the option of graduate school.

Wherever life has taken her, Henderson has utilized Smith's best resources. As she embarks on a future beyond Smith College's ivy-bound walls, her apt pairing of charisma and determination will surely continue to serve her well.

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