For this publication’s very first Laker Spotlight, The Navigator News sat down with Johnny Hendren, current Lake Land College (LLC) sophomore and self-proclaimed “amateur historian,” to learn more about his unique experience at LLC.
As a non-traditional student, Hendren’s journey to get to Lake Land was anything but ordinary. When asked his reason for attending later in life, Hendren said, “All my life, people said, you know, ‘Hey, why don’t you go to college?,’ but I never really seemed to have time for that.” After personal experiences in 2022 prompted him to reevaluate, Hendren decided he would go back to school to get his bachelor’s degree, one of his “bucket-list items.”
In Hendren’s personal life, he enjoys traveling, and does so quite often to take part in what he claims is his “most expensive passion of all,”–saltwater fishing. He is also an “avid gardener,” with a yard filled with flowers, vegetables and ornamental plants.
Aside from gardening and fishing, Hendren’s inherent need to learn the history behind even the most seemingly inconsequential items led him to pursue an undergraduate degree in history. “I’ve always been an amateur historian. My whole life, I’ve been fascinated, especially with the history of not necessarily the big things that everyone learns in school, but [the history behind] everyday things.”
For Hendren, Lake Land College seemed like the perfect fit for his educational needs. From having friends who had graduated from LLC and went on to earn graduate degrees, to Hendren’s wife, who is a retired LLC employee, Lake Land College earned rave reviews. Hendren also cited the importance of “getting [his] foot in the door,” and how he felt Lake Land was perfect for him after “not having any real college experience.”
Since spending over a year and a half at Lake Land College, Hendren has discovered that his time has been, “absolutely amazing.” He went on to clarify, “It’s a really people-friendly place. The staff here, on all levels, is wonderful.” On reaching out when problems arise, Hendren encouraged students not to hesitate. “Don’t be afraid to ask any [faculty] for help.”
Hendren’s experiences at Lake Land have also contributed to his own personal growth, stating, “I cannot believe how much I’m enjoying this. It gives you a real sense of accomplishment.” Hendren also included, “You know, [LLC has] really helped my self-esteem, my self worth, because I’m doing something productive, and, you know, it’s still being a little on the selfish side and doing this for myself.”
With graduation creeping up in May, Hendren says he is working on maintaining a GPA that he “can be proud of,” as well as “maybe making a couple more new friends.” He plans to transfer to Eastern Illinois University (EIU) to further his education in history with an undergraduate degree, where he is currently also considering a stint in an international studies program. With his German background, this opportunity would allow Hendren the chance to spend a semester overseas close to the area where he is from.
When asked what advice he has for incoming and current LLC students, Hendren earnestly commented, “Don’t give up. Don’t get discouraged. Yeah, you’re going to have to take some classes that may not be of real interest to you, but do your best. And don’t give up. Keep going.”
From a fascination with history all the way to making a difference by reaching just a few more friends before graduation, this sophomore is making the most of his time at Lake Land College.
