College of Medicine welcomes Hannah Sisler
Hannah Sisler recently returned to NEOMED as an academic and career advisor for the College of Medicine. She shared a bit about herself with The Pulse:
What is your role at NEOMED?
I am in the role of academic and career advisor for the College of Medicine. I am really excited for this role and the opportunity it presents me to hone my advising skills while helping to support our students. I'm really looking forward to getting to know the students better and helping our students navigate their educational and career aspirations along their path at NEOMED.
What led you to NEOMED?
Previously in my graduate work at Kent State University, I was an intern at NEOMED through the HIED program offered at KSU. I had a really enjoyable time during my internship, and I was grateful for the opportunity to see what NEOMED is like as an institution and community. After going along on my career path in Colorado, I was looking to move back to Ohio to be closer to family. NEOMED was my first thought when looking to find a new position because I had such a nice experience previously while I was an intern. Aside from that, I really value how NEOMED is a data-driven institution that cares about efficiency and process improvement, all of which I feel helps to provide vital support to our students' education and futures.
What do you hope to accomplish in your new role?
I am excited to get to learn more about our students here at NEOMED. Student engagement is one aspect of higher education I am very passionate about, so I am looking forward to forming positive, impactful relationships with all our students and especially those in my own caseload. I am eager to create a safe landing spot for when students have concerns or questions along their educational path. Our students are taking on intense coursework while balancing whatever "real life" may throw their way, so I want them to know they have support when it comes to handling their goals and dreams. Overall, I just want to contribute positively to the NEOMED community at large and to be able to grow my skills in advising and student support.
What inspired you to work in your profession?
Through my undergraduate studies, I had the opportunity to work with really excellent advisors and professors, who fostered my own love of education. I always say, if I could be a life-long student, I would be! It just dawned on me one day that I want to be the other person sitting across the desk helping to support and guide; I realized how valuable that same guidance was for me, and I very strongly and adamantly feel that anyone asking for help, support, assistance, etc. absolutely deserves that help. I think also my mother inspired in me at a young age a passion for community, so I have always wanted to be a part of a community and to find ways I can be of help and support to others, while being close to all the things I love and enjoy. For me, that is higher education. I feel especially blessed to be able to give that help and support to our students here at NEOMED who also want to go out and impact our communities in positive ways.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Warren, Ohio; however, I always like to say I consider Colorado to be my home away from home, since after graduating with my master's degree, I moved to live there for 3 years. So, I have a love for the outdoors having grown up in Ohio, while also loving the mountains of Colorado. I really enjoy hiking in the Cleveland Metro parks, Nelson Ledges, and Mill Creek Park near Youngstown Ohio.
Tell us about your family? Any pets?
Most of my immediate family live in or around the area of Warren, Ohio, and I actually live with my parents currently. My parents have two dogs, Lady and Sammy, and I also have two cats, Oreo and Luna, that I lovingly raise with my partner. I'm an only child, as well, so my two cousins Gabrielle and Emma are like the little sisters I never had! I enjoy spending time with my family and playing games, making good meals together, and just enjoying family time. Fun Fact: one thing we all love to do as a family is have Mario Kart switch parties!
What's your favorite book or book you've been recommending lately and why?
One of my favorite books that helps to center me, that I have read time and again is The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. I recommend this book to any and everyone as it is such a support when life can feel hectic or chaotic. The book centers on four essential agreements or guiding principles for living a happy and grounded life. The agreements are as follows: 1) be impeccable with your word, 2) don't take anything personally, 3) don't make assumptions, and 4) always do your best.
What do you do better than anyone you know?
I wouldn't say this is something I do better than anyone I know (by a long shot!), but it is a skill I have worked on honing over the years. I really enjoy and love crochet and fiber arts! I am a self-taught fiber artist, and crochet is probably my favorite craft. I really enjoy making gifts for family, friends and colleagues and participating in crochet/craft circles with others. I am hoping to have some pieces available for the NEOMED Holiday Store this winter, so please stop by if you can!!
What's the best advice you've ever received?
An adage that I come back to often and that has meant different things to me at different points in my life is: " Reject your sense of injury and the injury itself disappears." To me now, this symbolizes our autonomy and our choice—ultimately we get to decide what the narrative of our life is. There is comfort in that [in knowing] you can decide how you want to show up in life. How you react, act, speak, walk, talk as you walk through life is all a series of choices. So, this advice has been a comfort to me through many obstacles in life as it has allowed me to be authentic and to advocate for myself; it is a reminder to me that in life we always have a choice and what a gift it is to be able to choose.