Ellie Sennhenn ’26, journalism and professional and public writing, found her passion for storytelling after switching from psychology to journalism. Starting as a staff reporter for The Good Five Cent Cigar, she eventually became Editor-in-Chief. Through her experiences, she gained confidence in her writing and leadership skills. Ellie encourages new students to embrace change, reminding them that college is a chance to discover what excites them.
- What inspired you to study writing and journalism?
I have always wanted to tell stories. Important stories, needed stories, unheard stories. And I started writing to do just that. It feels like I have been a writer since I could hold a pen, but I specifically remember writing poetry in elementary school about my personal life. It was an outlet for me, and now I want to be an outlet for others. Journalists, at least in my opinion, give communities a voice, and I love that deeply. I want my articles, videos, or photos to make people feel heard and understood.
- Why did you choose to attend URI?
I attended URI because of its geographical location. I grew up going to Avalon, New Jersey, and loved the time with my family. However, I would always dream about New England beaches and woodland areas. A lot of my non-journalistic writing has to do with nature and life, so I chose Rhode Island because the atmosphere inspired me. I originally applied to URI as a psychology major, but realized within the first week that it wasn’t for me. I am so glad I chose URI because of its opportunities for branding, professional development, and skills-driven courses in media. Being a peer mentor for the College of Arts and Sciences, as well as a brand ambassador for the Harrington School, has embedded me within the URI community and I couldn’t be more happy. Each semester I learn more about journalism and how it extends far beyond stories in my old pink bedroom.
- How has your role in The Good Five Cent Cigar changed since you first started, and how has Harrington supported you in that growth?
I stumbled into The Good Five Cent Cigar’s first pitch meeting of the Fall 2022 semester without ever having written a newspaper article. I barely spoke in high school and was that shy girl in the back of class with a book and a friendship bracelet kit. I had no public speaking skills and not a lot of confidence. I started contributing each week to the paper, grew more confident in sending emails, interviewing, and got the role of staff reporter that next semester. Then, I became a news editor and learned how to lead a group of reporters. Now, as Editor-in-Chief, I lead the whole newsroom. So far, I facilitated a social media and print layout rebranding, got weekly copies to the Narragansett Bay Campus and URI Health Services, and hosted the video newscast. It is especially valuable to communicate with University leaders and student organizations to be an accurate and valuable student voice. The Harrington School has supported me in this growth immensely, with a broad range of courses, double majors and minors. I was able to major in Professional and Public Writing alongside Journalism, and am in the Honors program. Having classes in media ethics and photojournalism are so important, but learning about topics like the United States and Mexico border are just as important. Harrington gives me so many avenues and perspectives on my future career as a multimedia journalist.
- What’s one piece of advice you wish you had when you first started college?
When I first started college, I wish I had known that it is okay to change. It is okay to take chances and change your mind, or even your field of study. I tried to pursue a career in science because I did not have public speaking skills and thought it was safe. I did not believe that college would help me develop that skill and so many more. Essentially: Believe in your ability to grow.
- What has been your favorite memory or class at URI?
My favorite memory at URI is sitting on the Quad between classes and laying in the sun. Especially when it is nice out, seeing all the students on blankets and with friends – or even a book or a soccer ball – makes me so happy I chose to go to college. Sometimes, relaxing is just as important as academics.