For many, college is about experiences. For others, it’s about learning. For Hanna Schmitt, it’s about family.
Family is the one word Schmitt would use to describe the Northern Kentucky University community—and with good reason. She faced two major challenges while attending classes at Norse Nation. First, her studies were upended in the second semester of her freshman year when COVID-19 spread throughout the world.
“It was definitely challenging for everyone. It was incredibly difficult to transition to online learning with the uncertainty of, "Will we ever be able to go back to campus?’" Schmitt says. “I was really concerned that I wouldn't get to have a college experience. All of my professors did their best in transitioning, so retrospectively I don't feel like I missed many things academically.”
The freshmen who started in the 2019-20 school year are beginning to graduate, leaving behind unique stories of overcoming adversity through a computer screen. But Schmitt had another bout of adversity that didn’t affect most students.
Schmitt is a first-generation American, born to a Ukrainian mother. When the war broke out between Ukraine and Russia in early 2022, NKU’s true colors were shown to Hanna.
“When the war in Ukraine began, which was a very difficult time for me and my family, the math/stat department was so supportive,” Schmitt says. “Nearly everyone reached out to me and checked in. The professors of the department really kept my morale up during that time, and they have continued to support me as my family has recently arrived, in 2023, as refugees. I will never be able to thank them enough for everything they do. They are the heart of NKU. Good professors are not just good teachers but good mentors, and the math/stat department is full of them.”
The support system Schmitt received while at NKU allowed her to do what she enjoyed. Whether it was studying on the fourth floor of the MEP building or drawing with colored pencils and acrylic, she always found time to enjoy her experience at NKU. Ultimately, everything came back to her biggest passion: learning.
“I've told my professors this before, if I could be a professional college degree getter, I would,” Schmitt says. “I am so curious about everything and studying new topics is the perfect way to explore. There are so many cool things in this world, and to just investigate a fraction of them is magical.”
Getting her degree is more than just a piece of paper for Schmitt. As a first-generation American to a Ukrainian family, she wants to be a model for excellence and succeeding in the American dream.
“For me, it is the first step to achieving my American dream, and I am so incredibly proud to represent Ukrainian Americans at this time,” Schmitt says. “I am also just as proud of all the work I have put into my studies. Learning is such an important part of my life, and this degree is a testament to that. I hope that it is a start to being a lifelong student.”
With two fantastic internship experiences in her back pocket, Schmitt is ready for post-graduate life. She will soon be starting a new position at GE Aerospace, one of the places she interned for. She will be a part of the Digital Technology Leadership program.
As for advice for students, it comes back to getting involved in the college experience.
“Try as many things as you can while at NKU,” Schmitt says. “College is about exploring potential careers, so don't be afraid to try something you might not like. No one will penalize you for not liking something and you can be more confident in your final decisions knowing that time and consideration went into making them. You might find that a career path or subject you never considered before is super interesting to you!”
