Sarah Says Sayonara to Whittier College
Amidst the colorful decorations, laughter, and constant chatter at the Quaker Campus (QC) office, sits fourth-year Sarah Licón. “I literally was born and raised in this city, and I probably will die in this city,” she lightheartedly remarks. Holding up a pen, Licón adjusts her sitting position and gestures out the window.“[My retirement home] will probably be that place right there,” she points towards the one down the street, earning some laughs among the office. The QC’s News Editor leans back on her chair as she reflects through her past experiences that lead to this moment.
Unsatisfied and unsure with her high school grades, the Whittier native decided to go down the “community [college] route,” attending Rio Hondo Community College — just down the street from Whittier’s campus. Licón chose to transfer to Whittier College because it was local and awarded her a good scholarship. An avid reader from an early age, Licón had a feeling she would go down the literature route. A reserved child, she spent most of her time reading, even bringing a book to her older brother’s baseball games. “As a kid, I used reading as an escape,” Licón recalls sheepishly, “I’ve always been interested in stories and characters.”
However, books were at the back of her mind upon transferring to Whittier as Licón was also interested in pursuing a career in film, having taken writing and film classes at Rio Hondo. “As much as I love literature, I enjoy the sort of ‘objectivity’ of writing screenplays because it focuses a lot on plot and characterization,” she explains. This love for writing screenplays — along with taking other film courses prompted Licón to design her own screenwriting degree through the Whittier Scholars Program (WSP). Still wanting to pursue writing while completing college in two years, Licón knew an English degree would lead her to a gateway of opportunities. Determined to graduate within her four-year timeframe, Licón decided, “fuck it,” and switched her major to English with an emphasis on Literature, bringing her back to the books.
Licón is also pursuing a minor in Sociology (however, it is officially deemed as an Anthropology and Sociology minor). A highly inquisitive person, she found interest in discussions on deconstructing the functions of society.
Not only did Licón spend her time writing essays, but writing articles as well. Licón started writing more news articles, moving up to become Assistant News Editor after joining the QC in Fall 2022, and eventually becoming News Editor the following year. “I definitely would not have the same experience now if I hadn’t joined the QC,” she says, “Being News Editor has been very stressful, I will admit, but it’s been an adventure–it’s been a ride. I wouldn’t change it for anything.”
When Licón is not wrapped up with classes or working at the QC — which according to her is “rare” — she partakes in her many hobbies, which Licón looks forward to spending more time on after graduating. After getting out of a reading slump last year, one of the activities at the top of Licón’s list is finding a good book to get lost into. Another hobby she is currently delving deeper into is collaging and binge-watching more TV shows, such as the Netflix horror series Midnight Mass.
Growing up as a choir kid, singing is “second nature” for her; whether it be Broadway classics or nostalgic church songs, Licón is down for a good singing session. “That being said, I’m not taking any offers to sing for people,” she adds pointedly.
With graduation around the corner, Licón expresses her excitement to “walk the stage” with her diploma wearing her cap and gown. Although it is a bittersweet feeling, the soon-to-be-alum maintains a positive outlook about life after graduating, knowing she is bound for “bigger and better things.”
After graduation, Licón plans to take a year off to work before heading off for graduate school. Although she is unsure what to study in grad school, Licón knows what career she wants to pursue: teaching. Knowing that school can be viewed negatively — especially as a student herself — Licón wants to change that mentality. She is determined to make education a more positive experience. “I’ve envisioned myself as a teacher my whole life,” Licón says. “I really love learning and I want to be that kind of teacher that motivates people into loving things.”
Looking back at her time in Whittier, many of Licón’s memorable moments took place at the QC office, particularly during production nights. Licón laughs with a fond look on her face as she recalls the late nights with the staff doing layout on InDesign, preparing to publish the next issue. “Everyone’s just kind of delirious and losing their minds and they kind of want the night to be over,” she continues with a chuckle, “when we’re just fooling around and laughing so hard that we fall on the floor.” She adds brightly, “Those are great times; just anytime I get to spend with my friends and it’s a grand old jolly time.”
While Licón was a part of Whittier College for only two years, she has gained a lot of experience in a short period of time. Wherever life takes her, she will continue to face it head-on with a smile on her face. From the quiet young girl to the outgoing young woman, Sarah Licón has become an individual who is constantly learning and growing, eager to explore what the world has to offer.
Photo Courtesy of Laurie Licón
