Building connections and confidence: Hanna Price

Hanna Price is graduating from the Office Administration program with a legal specialty. She’s also graduating from high school this June, thanks to the Dual Credit program, which allows high school students to start university courses in their senior years and earn credits towards both university and a high school diploma at the same time.

Hanna is excited to represent the Faculty of Trades & Applied Technology at VIU’s 2022 convocation ceremonies. As part of our series highlighting VIU’s 2022 valedictorians leading up to convocation on June 23 and 24, we asked Hanna to share more about her experience at VIU and her advice for other students. 

Can you share a highlight from your time at VIU?

VIU is such a community-oriented university, and it was so refreshing to experience the transitional period of the COVID-19 pandemic here. I recall running up the stairs from my building on my lunch breaks and starting conversations with those outside of the campus Starbucks. Though seemingly insignificant, my roaring extroversion thrives on these interpersonal connections that cannot be achieved via Zoom.

What are you most proud of achieving since you began your studies?

Leaping from Grade 11 into a university program was daunting enough to keep me up at night. However, I soon recognized that my age was not a disadvantage, but rather spoke to my motivation, tenacity and drive. I adapted well to this drastic change and have excelled academically. I am proud of myself for developing the confidence needed to take these big steps at a young age, as well as achieving the position of valedictorian for the Faculty of Trades and Applied Technology programs. 

What is one thing your fellow students may remember about you after graduation?

My fellow students may remember my charisma and talkative nature.

What advice would you give students following a similar trajectory as yourself?

As academic doors begin to open for you, keep in mind that you are deserving of that key. Do not hesitate and end up living in a hallway for fear of commitment. 

Can you give us three random facts about yourself?

• My Myers-Briggs personality type is ENTP 7w8. This acronym stands for extraverted, intuitive, thinking and perceiving and is known as the debater.
• I used to dance competitively. Ballet is still my favourite hobby.
• My favourite song is “When the Sun Hits” by Slowdive.

 What’s next for you?

As I am graduating from both high school (Kwalikum Senior Secondary) and the Office Administration Program this year, I hope to take a gap year to reflect on my goals and priorities before committing to further higher education. Currently, I am interested in pursuing a degree in either psychology or criminology.