By Katlin Sweeney
Editor-in-chief
Hannah Hawker’s dedication to CSUSM is a defining characteristic of her collegiate career, her list of campus involvement spanning countless organizations and departments on campus.
Hawker is currently a third year at CSUSM. She is a Human Development major emphasizing in counseling and minoring in Psychology. Since starting at CSUSM in Fall 2012, Hawker’s campus involvement includes Orientation Team (O-Team), ASI President’s Cabinet, 25th Anniversary Planning Committee, University Corporation Board of Directors and participation in Lead Retreat.
Her leadership positions include President of Colleges Against Cancer, Vice President of Resident Hall Council, Philanthropy Chair of Alpha Xi Delta and Extended Learning Specialist of ASI Campus Activities Board. Hawker has also been selected to be the Programming Coordinator of ASI Campus Activities Board for 2015-2016.
Having come to CSUSM from Napa, CA, Hawker only knew two people when she started at CSUSM. This motivated her to join as many organizations and committees as possible so that she could become acquainted with the campus and get to know her fellow students. However, her enthusiasm temporarily overwhelmed her schedule, leading Hawker to discover the importance of time management.
“I knew from the get go that I wanted to do everything,” she said. “I tried to do that, but I learned quickly that it was hard to say no. I am now starting to cut back and focus on school and my grades because those started to take a toll while I was still learning time management and balance.”
Hawker said that her desire to participate in campus organizations also came from a positive freshman orientation experience and support from other campus community members.
“I met Leslie Nevens, who was the director over at the dorms when I was a freshman going through the San Marcos Experience program and when I was on Resident Hall Council. She was one of the first faces that I knew in administration and helped to get me connected,” Hawker said. “I met Jennie Ruiz when I worked on O-Team, and she is an amazing human being who really encouraged me to just pursue what I want to do. Dilcie Perez has also been supportive of me and we have a great, funny relationship. I know that she genuinely cares about students’ safety and well being.”
When asked what word best described her, Hawker chose the word ‘hopeful,’ which reflected her personal goals for growth and love for giving back. She said that the legacy she leaves behind at CSUSM would ideally focus most on helping others during her time here.
“We get so caught up in our daily lives that we forget how powerful we really are,” Hawker said. “We really should all live to our fullest potential in all aspects. If you’re not happy with something, then just change it. It might be hard, it might be a struggle but sometimes you just have to do it. Don’t settle for just being content. Everyone has that potential and I want to help people do the best they can.”
Hawker’s enthusiasm for CSUSM has made her bittersweet about her approaching graduation, which she anticipates to be in Spring 2016. While her immediate goals include getting the best grades she can, staying focused and supporting her campus community, she said that her long term goals primarily revolve around giving back and helping others.
“I want my future job to include traveling, helping people and supporting my future family,” Hawker said. “But I don’t want a job just because it pays well. I genuinely want to leave an impact that is remembered for helping people. I’m still figuring out what I want to do specifically, but I know that I like children, leadership and want to learn about myself while learning about the world around me. I don’t want to be contained.”