Hannah's Truth
Tell me about yourself.
Hannah: My name is Hannah and I am a senior studying economics and finance. I am in the process of finding and exploring my passions. I was raised to follow what I believe in and do what is right. I keep that with me as I enter into adulthood. I’m always looking for ways to do more mentorship and outreach because I grew up in a community where I was the only black girl so there weren’t many role models. I want to mentor girls that look like me and help them find their passions both professionally and personally. I want to reach out and help young girls who went through what I went through growing up.
What are your beauty struggles?
Hannah: I have always had problems with my skin being super sensitive and it has hindered my confidence. Obviously, you think your skin is worse because it's your skin. As a young girl, you want your skin to be clear and flawless. I also have really bad Eczema and it went mistreated for the majority of my childhood because doctors didn’t know what was going on. I used to have inflammation and scars on my legs so I would never wear shorts or swimsuits in attempt to hide it. I have realized over the years that Eczema is natural and that it’s normal to have scars!
Are there things you encounter that your counterparts do not?
Hannah: At internships and jobs, people always ask me what it feels like to be the only black woman in the room or in the finance industry. Other interns don’t get asked those questions and it makes you question whether you deserve to be in that space. I could have been discouraged by those situations but instead, I remind myself that I have an opportunity to be the first but not the last. I can help others going through the same situation or open the door for more black women. As people of color, we have to realize that we are the next majority.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Hannah: It sounds cliche but my dad always says “Everything happens for a reason”. Everyone goes through good and bad things, but as women of color our struggle is amplified. I have learned to find purpose in everything. I believe every situation is God-given. I always ask myself, “How can I use this setback as motivation to help me go forward in life?” It’s definitely easier said than done but I always look at things as pieces to the puzzle rather than hindrances.
What makes you feel unstoppable?
Hannah: 2 things. First, I feel unstoppable because of how far I have come. I make sure to recognize all the milestones I have passed. Not just accolades, but my confidence and how I view myself now versus when I came into college. My outlook on life has changed so much! I see how much stronger and wiser I have become. Second, my strong support system (my parents or my little sister who looks up to me) makes me feel like I can accomplish anything. I am fortunate to be in circles with women of color that support each other doing awesome things. They see my potential and encourage me to chase my dreams. In recent times, it seems like you have to start a blog or have a lot of followers to influence the masses. I am an introvert so I don’t always put myself out there. Maybe I’m not influencing the masses but I am influencing people in my circle to be the best version of themselves. You don’t have to be a digital influencer to make a difference in the world.
What is your self-care routine?
Hannah: I love doing detox masks at the end of the day. I’m always busy but I carve out time to read a good book. I’ve recently brought back that passion. I am currently reading ‘Year of Yes’ by Shonda Rhimes. She talks about saying yes to everything that scared her and how it changed her outlook on life. I also love listening to music. I love Sza so much! She puts me in a peaceful, chill mood. My favorite song right now is Belong to You by Sabrina Claudio.
Keep up with Hannah on her journey:
Instagram: @hannahlynellsmith
Facebook: Hannha Smith