Hannah Hansen ‘16

Hannah HansenTherapeutic Recreation Graduate
Recreation Specialist at St. James Rehab and Healthcare


"I chose to attend SJC initially because I liked the small class sizes and campus, and thought I might fit in at such a small school. Since beginning and selecting both a great major and minor, my experience and impression of the school has been wonderful. 

"My major was really selected because I wanted to help people. I initially wanted to be a teacher but as soon as I saw the difference a person could make in TR and the range of populations, I was hooked. My minor was more chosen out of interest, and is one of my passions, that pursuit of knowledge of things we always will be questioning. 

"As a kid I wanted to be a youth group leader, because they looked like they were having the most fun. Now I'm still having the most fun, playing games and organizing groups, but I'll be working with rehab patients helping them live full lives."

"As a kid I wanted to be a youth group leader, because they looked like they were having the most fun. Now I'm still having the most fun, playing games and organizing groups, but I'll be working with rehab patients helping them live full lives.

"I have been hired full time as a Recreation Specialist as St. James Rehab and Healthcare, and after that, who knows!

Who was your favorite SJC professor?

"Not fair! It's a tie between Prof. Lubicich for Recreation because she really mentored me and pushed me to do things out of my comfort zone, and Prof. Jacobs in Religious Studies because he really taught me a different way to think about religion, and kind of awakened my interest in religious studies. "

Who has been the biggest influence on your life?

"I suppose my mother, because she is the strongest woman I have ever met, and her life has really impacted the way I try to live mine."

Favorite book? Quote?

"My favorite book is a toss up between Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli and Deep River by Shusaku Endo."

“And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don't believe in magic will never find it.” ― Roald Dahl

Do you have any hobbies or talents? What do you do in your spare time?

"I really like to read, and to spend time with friends. I work a lot so my spare time is limited, but I try to always be doing something enjoyable."

Who would play you in a movie about your life?

"Probably Scarlett Johansson because she's amazing and badass and everything I would aspire to be."

If you had to give one reason for a student to choose St. Joseph's University, what would it be?

"The professors. The only reason I did so well at the school and found a passion for my major and minor is because the professors really care and want you to succeed, in and out of classes."

What have you learned about yourself during your time at SJC?

"I guess I learned that I am capable of more than I realized. I can manage working almost full-time, and taking 18 credits, and still make the Dean's List."

Aside from earning a degree and getting a job, what did you hope to get out of your time at SJC?

"Good relationships with both my peers and professors. A place to discuss my questions on books I'm reading. Challenges in my field, and hopefully leaving behind a better program than I came into."

Aside from content material, what is the best lesson a professor taught you in class?

"I guess the best lesson would be to look for the connections in things, which I learned in my Religious Studies classes. To find the connections helps you not only to absorb the material, but also to make it applicable to your passions and interests, and helps you not only be a great student but also a well rounded person."