2022 Senior Series: Hannah Gold

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“I came to UMass as an out-of-state student. A large part of why I came to UMass was to redefine what it means to be successful.

Redefining success started with joining the Division One rowing team at UMass. I had rowed in high school, and I was often told that I didn't fit the typical mold for a Division One rower. I’m smaller than the typical rower, so the recruiting process was challenging. I decided to walk-on to the team because of my love for the sport. I knew I was capable of having success, but that meant defining success in my own way because I was well aware of my differences.

Something I'm most proud of during my time here is that I have been able to re-define success for myself as an athlete. I was named captain of my rowing team this year, so I’m confident that I made the most of my experience, despite not being a typical rower.

As a captain of the rowing team, it was important to make sure that for those who were new to the team —and especially for walk-ons— even if they didn't fit the typical mold for a rower, they felt welcomed and valued just as much as anyone else. I hope that I was able to emphasize the power in finding your own strengths to achieve success on the team.

I realized early in college that I needed to follow a path where I could directly or indirectly support others to create communities where people feel safe and accepted. I hope to continue to work with lots of different communities towards shifting systemic and cultural barriers. Recognizing challenges faced by disadvantaged groups and amplifying their voices is at the core of where my passion stems from. Much of my passion was developed from the classes I took for my public health major. I've gained an incredible amount of insight from these classes in conjunction with the developmental disabilities and human services (DDHS) program in the psychology department. Learning about the experiences of people with disabilities has also helped me to accept and embrace being neurodivergent.

I have met the most wonderful people here, and connecting with the communities I love so dearly wouldn’t have happened if not for my willingness to get involved at UMass. With rowing, I was intentional about joining the team before I arrived at college. I think having that instant community encouraged me to join other groups because I understood the importance of having a sense of belonging outside of academics. If I could give any freshman advice, I would emphasize the value in being open to new experiences and trying to meet people who are different from you— it can lead to something really beautiful.

I also want college students to understand that they don’t have to overwhelm themselves with academics or do everything perfectly in order to be successful. I used to think that way, and it's still something I haven't fully gotten over. But I feel like it's so common in college to struggle with perfectionism, which can be incredibly harmful to your mental health. It’s important to remember that you will likely fail plenty of times in college, but those failures can transform into something serendipitous.

I could make a long list of professors who were so understanding and kind when I really started to struggle with my mental health last year. It was a tough process of accepting that I couldn't be the “perfect” student and pretend that everything was okay. I am so grateful for the professors who expressed nothing but empathy and care towards me. I would like to recognize Ellen Correa, Mark Sena, and Ashley Woodman. Mark Sena heads the MAICEI program, and is the perfect example of a faculty member who fully embraces the idea that no matter what path a student is on, they can find their own success. Ashley Woodman is the professor who opened my eyes to the disability experience and is incredible in her advocacy on campus for disabled students.

I can't thank them enough because there are many professors who take the human experience out of being a student. The rigidity of academics is a big reason why disabled students unnecessarily struggle on this campus. There's still a lot of work to be done, but I think it goes for anyone. We all struggle with something in our personal lives, and when professors fail to consider that when choosing how to treat their students and run their classrooms, it impedes the success of students who are genuinely trying their best. But at least in my majors, I have encountered so many incredible professors.

In regards to my next steps, I am planning on staying in this area next year, which is very exciting. I was offered a full time position with the MAICEI program, which will soon include the DRIVEE program for individuals over 22. I'll be an education coach next year, and I will continue to work with my wonderful coworkers and community. I am overjoyed that I get to continue initiatives I’m very passionate about. I have aspirations to attend occupational therapy school after a year of working, but I definitely realize that I need a break from being a student. I'll have a full time job next year, but I anticipate that I'll have a lot more time to myself and be able to find balance in my life, which is the number one thing I need going forward."

Hannah Gold '22 is a psychology and public health major and senior captain of the women's rowing team. They have also served as lead peer mentor and undergraduate administrative assistant for the Massachusetts Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Initiative (MAICEI) program, which provides students aged 18-21 with intellectual and developmental disabilities the opportunity to have a college experience alongside their non-disabled peers.