Major: Mathematics, Applied Mathematics option
Minors: Computer Science and Statistics
Hometown: Tyrone, Pennsylvania
Scholarships: Behrend Excellence Award and Todd Leadership Scholarship
On choosing Behrend: I grew up between Altoona and University Park, so I loved the community, connections, and opportunities to be found in the Penn State community. I wanted to go to a smaller campus where I could meet new people, and Behrend was perfect for me.
On choosing her major: I always loved math and the subject came naturally to me, so I decided to explore it more.
Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: During my first semester over Thanksgiving break, I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and had to miss a week of school. I was told that I might not be able to come back from missing that much time, but I did. I finished my first semester with a 4.0 grade point average and have maintained it ever since.
Campus involvement: I am the president of Random Acts of Kindness, Pi Mu Epsilon, and the Disability Awareness and Resources for Equity group, and also vice president of University Park’s chapter of The Diabetes Link. I am also a member of Lion Ambassadors, Lion Scouts, Leadership Scholars, the 75th Anniversary Planning Committee, and Alternative Spring Break, and I am a math tutor.
Awards and recognitions: The President’s Award, the Most Promising Freshman in Mathematics, the Sparks Award, Evan Pugh Scholar, Academic Excellence in Mathematics, and Irvin H. Kochel Award
What makes her unique: I can sing the alphabet backward.
What you might be surprised to know about her: I played piano for nine years.
Her definition of a good life: Being happy with yourself and being kind to others. Showing kindness to others is, in turn, showing kindness to yourself. It’s important that your happiness come from within and not rely on another person or material things.
Her passions: I really like reading and I hope to travel when I get out of school.
Advice for first-year students: Don’t be afraid of your professors. They are people, too (shocking!). They want you to succeed, and they care about you.
A final note: The best advice I received regarding college was: “You can work hard for four years and have fun the rest of your life or have fun for four years and work hard the rest of your life.” That’s not to say you can’t have fun in college, but remember why you are there and make smart choices.
Hannah plans to start her career in data analysis or statistics.