Henri Sann

Student

“I learned about ‘the system’ by trial and error. It’s not the way to go. People need to question counselors. But without the right questions, they won’t know what to tell you.”

Henri Sann is a believer. He believes in the basic goodness of mankind, that we will one day solve our problems, and that tomorrow—if we prepare for it—will be a better day. And his sense of optimism—as well as his first name—may be the result of family traits. “When I was born, my parents were studying with a guru,” says Henri. “They’re both still pretty spiritual and I guess that’s what’s led me to psychology and sociology. I think those fields interest me because I want to relate to all people and help them clear stuff up. There are things that worry me,” he continues, “like hunger and homelessness and all the heartless things that go on in the world. And I’d like whatever I do with my life to really mean something.”

Henri reports that immersion in SMC has provided him with a much needed change in perspective. “Santa Cruz High School was basically all Caucasian,” he reports. “So I’m really enjoying all the cultural influences here. The international students are great and there’s an awful lot of adult students too. It’s a great blend of people and that makes for a very positive vibe in my classes.” Henri adds that education gets terribly short shrift in our society. “I grew up not wanting to be in school, because that’s the attitude. But now I want to be educated, I want to learn. Sometimes I get down because money is such a priority. But ultimately, it’s knowledge that is happiness.”

At a certain point in life, Henri would like to weigh in by giving a great number of others the chance to succeed. “I’m very interested in public speaking,” he says. “I feel pretty fortunate to be in the position I’m in and I’d like to share that. I really feel for the people who will never have the kinds of opportunity that I do.”

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