ST. PAUL, Minn. – Throughout the duration of the fall semester in our #WeAreMore feature series, we will feature student-athletes and their contributions off the field of play, providing a glimpse into their campus and community involvement.
Our CSP student-athletes are so much more than the sports they play. Learn about the incredible impact these individuals have made, and continue to make, as we uncover what makes them MORE.
Feature stories will be published every Monday and Wednesday throughout the remainder of the semester. Stay tuned and Go Bears! Presented by ACR Homes.
Our first #WeAreMore feature story for this week highlights Hannah Gustafson, empowerer and senior thrower for CSP women's track & field.
Hannah Gustafson is a West St. Paul native, and the current Student Life Education & Leadership Graduate Assistant and Biology Learning Assistant Coordinator at CSP. As Learning Assistant Coordinator, Hannah is responsible for administering academic assistance to students in need of help, specific to biology courses within the CSP curriculum. In her GA role, Hannah is responsible for providing students with opportunities to create a valuable college experience. Recently, Hannah oversaw the ribbon cutting ceremony for the C. Charles Jackson Business Leadership Community, which connects classroom learning with residential community.
As a graduate student, Hannah is most passionate about her work in developing the virtual Ignite Leadership Certificate Program. Ignite supports students in identifying, developing, and refining their leadership skills and abilities through programming in a number of different competency areas. Hannah works as a workshop creator and facilitator, a student contact point for individual mentoring, as well as the Charlie Academy coordinator. Her reason for why she finds so much passion for Ignite is because she can empower college students to inspire change internally, and in turn, encourage change in their own community and use their voice to become social justice advocates.
Hannah Gustafson on how she empowers others to be their best:
"I empower others to do their best by creating a supportive environment that listens and fosters success. I meet students where they are at, help them define their own goals and inspire them to achieve those goals with confidence."
HANNAH GUSTAFSON – IN HER OWN WORDS
CSP: What impact has being the Student Life Education & Leadership Graduate Assistant had on your personal and professional career?
Hannah: Working in Student Life Education and Leadership has impacted me by allowing me to interact with a diverse group of individuals through mentorship. It has opened my eyes in such deep ways - refining both my empathy and compassion. I am honored to be a part of so many students' stories as they grow and develop.
CSP: Talk about the Ignite Leadership Program. What does the organization do to serve the students of CSP?
Hannah: The Ignite Leadership Certificate Program allows for students to learn more about themselves and their interactions with others. It supports students as they identify, develop and refine their leadership skills through specific competencies. Not only does it help students explore important topics such as emotional intelligence, intercultural fluency, adaptability and civic responsibility, but it allows students to be involved in a supportive community across campus.
CSP: How are you developing virtual resources for the program?
Hannah: I am currently working on a workshop series based on Charlie Academy modules. I recently co-hosted a workshop based on "Creating Happiness in a Global Pandemic" and am excited to host next week a workshop on Tapping into Motivation.
CSP: Talk about your role as the Charlie Academy Coordinator. What are your duties specific to the role?
Hannah: Within this role, I maintain the technical side of Charlie Academy through Blackboard as well as work with the company Charlie Academy to develop new modules. Charlie Academy is constantly on the edge of innovative, developing curriculum to help benefit college students in both their self-awareness and understanding as well as content to push them within their specific career paths.
CSP: What is the mission of the organization?
Hannah: Charlie Academy strives to provide the essential leadership knowledge and skills needed for success in today's global economy. The collection of online leadership courses offers students the competitive edge they need to stand out as leaders through coursework which develops, measures, and certifies mastery of crucial skills.
CSP: Tell us about your responsibilities as the Biology Learning Assistant Coordinator. How are you providing resources to students in need of academic support?
Hannah: As the Biology Learning Assistant Coordinator, I manage a group of Learning Assistants that work with introductory biology students. I develop activities, in conjunction with the science department faculty, for Biology 120 students to complete to further their understanding of course material. I also host and run study nights weekly for the Science Department, where I interact with students from all different classes. I work to provide them with a space to ask questions, no matter how big or small, and provide them with the study skills needed to survive and thrive in an academically intense major such as biology, chemistry, and/or nursing.
CSP: What makes you MORE?
Hannah: My passion for serving and caring for others, my dedication to always going the extra mile, and my strive to be the best I can be.
