Figuring it Out

Hannah Kirk — Thu, 08 Aug 2019 14:45:44 +0000

Unfortunately, just like many Americans, I have suffered from issues relating to mental health. For me, many of those issues were a result of a series of physical health problems I had faced year prior, with many after-effects still impacting my life during my senior year of High School.

In a way, I was going through an identity crisis. For my entire life until then I was a swimmer, and that shaped my entire life. From what I did every night, how I prioritize my day, and what I did on the weekends. My swimming was even how I found the college I am currently attending for my undergraduate degree. When I had those health complications, I had to quit swimming. I would take periods of time off from swimming and working out in order to help my body recover, then every time I would begin to practice again, my health would decrease, and once again I would have to stop swimming.

Because I hit a hard transition from intensely working out four hours each day to not working out at all, I had become agitated with all the energy I was no longer able to work out. This would cause me to feel symptoms of anxiety, however, at the time I did not know what was developing. Also, because swimming was my greatest stress reliever, I no longer had a place to think and clear my mind. Therefore, I began overthinking a lot more than I already had. I have always been a rather stressed person, but without an outlet to let everything go, I did not know what to do, and it all started bottling within me.

Long story short, I had become rather anxious and depression. To be blunt about it, it was awful. It impacted every single moment of my life. I would wake up, not wanting to go to school, go to school, nearly fall asleep in my classes because of the little sleep I received the night before. With time and a lot of self-reflection, I was able to work through it gradually.

By no means am I thankful for having to experience it. But I am thankful for the time that I did. It was my last year in high school, so I had a good amount of freedom to do what I wanted. I also knew that I would be getting a fresh start rather soon when I left for college. In addition, looking back on it, it was a good time to face that, because who I am was not fully developed. I was still evolving, and I still am.

Now, being much more on my own than I was in high school, being in a serious relationship, I know who I am and what I need in order to be happy and maintain a positive attitude. But more importantly, I know my signs. I know when I am at risk of slipping back, and I know what I need to do to prevent that. I am rather lucky I believe that I was able to have those realizations on my own.

It is so important to know that everyone is different. What one person needs can be vastly different than another. What triggers one person can be vastly different. It is important to know who you are and what you need. That may take some time; it took 3 years of ups and downs for me. But once it is all figured out, it’s great.

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Do it Anyway!

Hannah Kirk — Mon, 08 Jul 2019 11:13:08 +0000

My summer this year is very different than every summer I have had thus far. Going into my senior year of college, I finally had to stray away from lifeguarding each summer and living at home, to moving to another state, interning in the New York State Senate, and going without knowing anyone.

I have always been interested in politics, and loved history growing up, but I was nervous beyond words to begin this internship. I was not sure if I was going to like it, I was not sure if I was going to be good at it, I just was not sure about a lot of things. But eventually my start date began approaching rather quickly, and I had no choice but to pursue it.

Growing up I was always told that if something both excites you and terrifies you, it is something that should be pursued.

I was assigned to intern with a female senator that is in her first term in office. Her Legislative Director, who is my direct supervisor is also a woman. The Democrats currently hold the majority of the senate and are only a few positions short of holding a supermajority over the Republicans. Previously, the Republicans have held the majority for decades. I knew this was going to be an interesting time to have this opportunity, especially given the national political climate currently.

Before I moved to Albany, I completely revamped my wardrobe. I figured that in order to thrive this summer in this position, I was going to have to look the part, which would in turn help me feel and be the part. From the shoes to the pants to the blazer I was really feeling the part. Then when I walked in on the first day, I did not feel like I shouldn’t be there.

Part of that transitional ease I believe is due to the percentage of employees in the Legislative Building that are female. The majority of those who work under the the Senator I am interning for are women, and I was very much surprised by the female representation in the State Senate as a whole. Furthermore, I believe it is very evident that each woman there is a badass in their own regard and are an inspiration to anyone.

What I was expecting out of this summer was much different than how it actually turned out. I realized I had much of the skills for this position, and my worrying did not do anything other than potentially holding me back from an amazing opportunity and experience. If it excites and terrifies you, definitely pursue it.

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Hannah Kirk – Woman on the Move Enterprises LLC

Figuring it Out

Do it Anyway!