Hannah Zavala
Hannah Zavala, who hails from Arlington, Texas, is currently a junior in the School of Nursing, minoring in Law and Society. She aspires to one day work in an acute care setting, pursuing her passion for nursing and serving as an advocate for health equity.
What's your favorite place to eat on campus or in the city?
Reading Terminal Market in Center City is my favorite place to eat in Philly!
What's your favorite non-required or elective class?
I loved ENGL 3417- Political Journalism, because it provided me with an opportunity to explore journalistic writing and learn more about political reporting.
What's your favorite Penn perk (e.g. access to museum, ICA, athletics, Arboretum, etc)?
Being able to easily attend athletic events and support my student-athlete peers is one of my favorite Penn perks.
What's your favorite place on campus?
My favorite place on campus is High Rise Field. I love to study and spend time with my friends there on a sunny day.
What's your favorite Penn activity / hobby outside of class (e.g. on-campus groups, clubs, athletics, volunteering, etc)?
I enjoy volunteering at CHOP with Community Champions’ Family Connects, and being a peer mentor to underclass nursing students!
The most memorable moment I've had at Penn Nursing so far is...?
The most memorable moment I’ve had at Penn Nursing thus far is with a patient I cared for at clinical; the patient had undergone the same procedure my dad had years before, and at the same unusually young age. Caring for my dad through his experience is largely what inspired me to choose to pursue nursing, so working with this patient who reminded me so much of my dad felt like a full circle moment that confirmed I was on the right path.
Is there anything that you wish you knew before coming to Penn?
Before coming to Penn, I wish I would’ve known how supported I’d feel here on campus and how quickly it would feel like a second home to me. I am grateful to have a community that instills confidence and passion in me, and that never lets me face anything alone.
What is something that you really like about your program of study?
Something I love about the traditional BSN program is the commitment to serving our community; whether through clinicals, volunteering opportunities, or outreach programs, Penn Nursing allows students to engage with the greater Philadelphia community and contribute to its betterment.
What's your favorite thing about your cohort and/or the community at Penn?
My favorite aspect of my cohort is our closeness and the support that we offer each other. My class, and the broader Penn community, have demonstrated a steadfast ability to band together and advocate for one another through thick and thin.
What or who has inspired you the most while pursuing your degree, and why?
Dr. Julie Sochalski has been a source of inspiration to me for years! I deeply admire her for her contributions to nursing and health policy, and for her dedication to health equity. I have been lucky to have conversations with her throughout my time at Penn that always leave me motivated to become the best nurse I can be and leave the profession better than I found it.
