Like it did for many people around the world, the COVID-19 pandemic led Hana Robinson to reconsider what she really, truly wanted to accomplish with her life — especially in regard to her academic and professional careers. The period of self-examination led Robinson to NC State.

She graduated this spring from the College of Natural Resources with a bachelor’s degree in natural resources and a minor in forestry. Prior to joining the Wolfpack, Robinson earned an associate degree in horticulture from Central Piedmont Community College, then worked in Mecklenburg County’s Park and Recreation horticulture department. 

But that’s not all. This multi-talented transfer student was studying to be a nurse prior to the recent pandemic. That time to reevaluate her educational and professional choices led her to working a stint with AmeriCorps, an organization that opened her mind to the idea of pursuing the field of natural resources.

Enter NC State — and a special scholarship program.

“The thing about being a non-traditional student and transferring in — I’ll be 27 when I graduate,” Robinson said a few days prior to the spring commencement ceremony on May 9. “It’s an important accomplishment for me after nine years of figuring things out. I’m finally where I need to be.”

Receiving a Goodnight Transfer Scholarship empowered Robinson to make her Wolfpack dreams a reality. The scholarship program is made possible by the generous support of Dr. Jim and Mrs. Ann Goodnight and ensures that every recipient, whether they transfer into NC State from another institution or start as traditional four-year students, gets the opportunity to Think and Do without financial constraints.

The Goodnight program didn’t just get Robinson onto campus; it featured prominently in her entire NC State story. She served as an ambassador during the program’s various events and even helped lead some of them. She mentored other Goodnight transfer students as they joined.

Her main piece of advice: become an active part of the campus community.

“One of the most important things I’ve learned is how important connections are with people, and then the simple act of reaching out,” Robinson said. “By that, I mean, I would go listen to a talk — like, a professor talked about their research or something — and then I would email them and then get a job.

“It’s allowed me to have so many different jobs throughout my time [here], and I did a research project. So, yeah, making connections and reaching out to professors is probably the best thing I’ve ever done.”

She is part of the James Buzzard Leadership Development Program as well. This initiative helps undergraduates in the College of Natural Resources become outstanding leaders who inspire others through their guidance. Members attend workshops, network with community leaders and more during the year-long program.

Robinson also studied abroad during one winter break. The trip took her to Mexico, where she saw monarch butterflies, humpback whales, macaws and more — a truly unforgettable experiential-learning opportunity.

Just because a path leads one way doesn’t mean it can’t double back, though. After learning all she can about natural resources management, Robinson is headed back to AmeriCorps to serve as a team leader in California. Her new role is in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and will involve wildfire mitigation, trail work and other environmental projects.

All of which she is well trained for after transferring into the Wolfpack.