One of UC Davis’ most unique and fun clubs is the Davis chapter of the Harry Potter Alliance, a national organization dedicated to improving the world “by making activism accessible through the power of story.” In the spirit of the series, the club chapters have a headmaster instead of a president – and UCD is lucky enough to have two! Jenny Heinsius loves the Harry Potter series and elephants, and would like to go to grad school to study the acoustic ability of elephants.
Name: Jenny Heinsius
Major: Animal Bio, Class of 2015
Hometown: Laguna Niguel, California
How did you first hear of HPA?
I saw someone in a Batman T-shirt and another person dressed like Harry Potter at the table during Welcome Week during the fall of 2012. There were also two people, Kyle and Val, who fought on Tumblr over who would be my friend first.
What is your favorite part of HPA?
Friends. I love seeing friends and hanging out with them. We like to do fun stuff together like playing laser tag, baking, or eating.
What’s your favorite HPA moment?
One time, my friends and I were all playing laser tag, and then a song came on overhead that we all knew. Everybody suddenly started dancing – even if they were already shot, they just got up and danced. It was so much fun! And I also like the time when I “claimed” Katie, the head of Ravenclaw, as my friend.
Why did you decide to become Headmaster?
I was best friends with some of the previous officers and hung out with them a lot. I also like controlling how things go, and no one else wanted to be Headmaster.
So, what do you do as Headmaster?
I come up with topics for the HPA meetings, I lead the meetings, and I organize different events for the group to do. I also organize tabling in the quad.
That sounds awesome! What do you like best about the Harry Potter series?
I like all the magic and spells, and just how relatable and magical the whole series is. The Marauders are also cool, and James and Lily are my OTP [one true pairing].
Lastly, what do you do in your free time?
I like reading comics and books, and also baking cakes. I love baking stuff and then eating it after! I’m also obsessed with anything British, and I’d love to travel to the United Kingdom someday.