Alumni Spotlight: From Shoreline to Japan and Back Again: A Life Shaped by Teaching, Travel, and Community

Susan Henderson, Class of 1975

Susan Henderson’s story is one of quiet courage, global adventure, and deep gratitude. A self-described introvert, she never imagined her life would take her across continents, into classrooms, and back to Shoreline. 

Susan’s connection to Shoreline and Shoreline Community College runs deep. In the late 1960s, her mother made the decision to pursue a nursing degree at Shoreline to support her two children. Within two years, her mother had earned her credentials and begun a long and impactful career in healthcare, working as a nurse until her retirement and continuing to volunteer at the same hospital into her seventies. “I think Shoreline, and my mom, of course, gave me wings that I’m not sure I knew I had the confidence to use. And then life just kept happening. My life turned out bigger than I thought it would.” 

Susan’s own academic journey began with a transformative summer abroad program led by Shoreline Professor Amy Mates, a brilliant and witty English literature instructor from England. “Amy had a wonderful vibrancy about her and a magical way of teaching,” Susan recalled. 

That summer trip to Ireland and London changed the trajectory of her life. Among the 20 students was Hiroko, an international student from Japan, who would become a lifelong friend and a key influence in Susan’s life. After a memorable lunch hosted by Professor Mates, Hiroko and Amy sat Susan down and said, “You should be a teacher.” Susan thought that she was too shy but they both said, “You’re meant to do this.” That moment planted the seed. 

After getting her bachelor’s degree, Susan moved to Japan and got a job teaching English, thanks to Hiroko’s connections. She quickly discovered a love for education and cultural exchange. “Japan was a gentle, kind place to begin my teaching career,” she said. “I always learned a lot from my students. I was a baby teacher. There was so much I didn’t know. I always hoped they learned half as much from me as I learned from them, about teaching and about life.” 

Susan returned to the U.S. after a couple of years to earn her master’s degree in teaching. After graduating, she returned to Japan for another year before spending 26 years teaching ESL, primarily at Edmonds College. Her career was marked by dedication, curiosity, and a deep respect for her students from around the world. 

Now retired and living near where Professor Mates once lived, Susan feels a meaningful connection to her past and she continues to volunteer with students. 

After attending Shoreline’s 60th Anniversary Open House, Susan felt energized by reconnecting with the campus and the people. Motivated to give back, she established an endowed scholarship in honor of Professor Amy Mates, whose mentorship and belief in her potential planted the seed for a lifelong career in education. “Of all my higher education experiences, Shoreline had the biggest impact on my life. I will be forever grateful.” 

Susan’s story is a testament to the power of education, mentorship, and the ripple effect of compassion and encouragement. As she puts it: “Shoreline is the epitome of what a community college should be. For me it was eye-opening, heart-opening and life-changing.”