Student Profile: Hanna Theile
Perhaps one of the most valuable aspects of the Chatham experience is the community. In such unprecedented times, I (Abigail Kneuss ‘23), have become increasingly grateful for this community and its members. In an effort to showcase just a few of these great people, I’ll be doing a series of student interviews in the coming weeks. These highlights are for students, about students, and by students. This week features Hanna Theile ‘21. Learn more about her, her work, and her advice to students looking to enact change below!
Hanna Theile ‘21
Q: Why did you decide to come to Chatham?
A: I just immediately fell in love with the collegiate feel of the campus and I was further intrigued by the women’s leadership initiatives that are happening here and I felt that was super empowering. On top of that, it’s the best of both worlds as a small campus in an up-and-coming city.
Q: Why Political Science and where do you want to go with that?
A: I definitely have always had a niche of wanting to help others and have felt that Political Science was my best outlet. My studies are focused on European countries and I want to work for the state department or foreign affairs on international policy. It connects communities and benefits everyone, when done well. After graduation, I want to spend some time in the Peace Corps and go to grad school for International Relations and Foreign Policy and see where life takes me from there.
Q: What experiences have you had at Chatham that have shaped you?
A: I’ve worked on some political campaigns back in Michigan utilizing what I’ve learned which was a great experience. I’m currently getting experience as well in my policy class doing pro bono work for coding to utilize Pittsburgh as a resource to give back to my neighbors and Chatham community members. I also studied abroad in Spain last year and that brought a new perspective to my classes on European countries.
Q: Favorite course or professor?
A: Favorite professor is Dr. Jennie Sweet-Cushman. Her ideals and the political science department really align with why I care so deeply about being a woman in politics and have taught me how to own my space. An all-time classic favorite course would have to be Modern Europe with Dr. Rossbach.
Q: How has COVID impacted your academic year?
A: It has really made me disconnect from the usual opportunities I would get being an upperclassman working closely on-ground with professors. I feel a bit isolated, I live off-campus in Pittsburgh and am having an entirely different experience as a commuter. I’ve been really taking advantage of the natural landscape of Pittsburgh this year though. I’ve been biking throughout the city and hiking and mountain biking in Frick Park and at Eden Hall. It’s a great way to decompress and visit new sites.
Q: Anywhere you’ve found a source of hope right now?
A: I have really seen members of the Chatham student body step up to the plate and be incredible people who are working towards change. Someone who comes to mind that I want to shoutout is Lalah Williams. The empathy and compassion that people have had for one another has been empowering and makes you grateful for the humanity that does exist. It’s also nice to know that at a small school our administration has had some personal empathy in reaching out to students and that has also been encouraging.
Q: What’s your advice to a student looking to enact change?
A: The biggest thing I would say is that we have such a unique space at Chatham and to take advantage of that. It’s important that you get outside of your comfort zone and find a place for yourself. It doesn’t have to be the most glamorous leadership title to make a change. I’ve realized to fix issues it’s places like Chatham Student Power that build community and leadership skills that will serve you across your life. My first year, I really got involved and it has made all the difference. Getting involved helps us stand together for what is right and hold true to our core mission values.