If there’s one word that describes Karl Hoenzsch, it’s most likely “dedication.” A transfer from Hudson Valley Community College, Hoenzsch started college when he was 16 and will be graduating from Le Moyne in December at the age of 20.
“If people feel driven to do what they want to do, they should do it,” he said. “I was excited for the college atmosphere and so I started pursuing that.”
Hoenzsch, an English major (with a concentration in literature), plans on getting a master’s degree after graduation (potentially at Loyola University in Chicago); he may even move to Scotland and attend the University of Aberdeen to get his Ph.D.
“I particularly like Scottish literature and fairy tale literature,” Hoenzsch said. “I have a strong drive and in that regard, Scottish literature is a good counterpoint to the usual teachings, e.g. Dickens. It’s also enjoyable and fun.
“As for fairy tale literature, I like to explore the folklores of different societies,” he continued, “especially how they can create stories collectively and pass them on.”
In addition to studying literature, Hoenzsch has had much teaching experience, most notably in China.
“I taught psychology and U.S. history to high school students for a month in China last summer,” he said. “I was lucky that I had a translator. It was interesting because I was working for the government indirectly, so the police sometimes sat in to make sure what I was saying was okay. It was a great experience, though. I’d love to go back and teach at a university there.”
The trip to China also opened Hoenzsch’s eyes to the way other parts of the world work and to our general perception of those parts.
“I’d encourage anyone to study abroad so you can experience other cultures and see things more globally,” he explained. “Even if you can’t travel far, visit another religious center of worship, like a synagogue or a mosque. I think the school could benefit from looking at other cultures and forms of worship, in terms of leadership and service.”
In addition to working as the front-desk operator in Grewen Hall and as a writing fellow for the library (helping undergraduate and graduate students develop writing skills), Hoenzsch makes time for other hobbies.
“I love cooking,” he said. “My girlfriend and I make some crazy multi-course meals for our friends. I also love hiking. I’m trying to work on being a 49er, but it’s a long goal.”
Though Hoenzsch’s experience at Le Moyne has been shorter than that of the average student, it’s one he won’t soon forget.
“I like the size of the campus,” he said. “It isn’t so large that you feel lost. I never felt separate. I managed to jump right in and make great friends quickly.”
