Hannah Thompson

My name is Hannah and I’m a second year at Georgia studying Biology. At the age of three, I was diagnosed with arthritis. Most people believe arthritis is an “old person disease,” but for me arthritis has been a part of my story from the beginning. Growing up with a chronic illness has taught me a lot about strength and patience. While other kids were running and playing sports care-free, I was visiting doctors and having to stop playing sports for weeks at a time to relieve the arthritic pain.

This early experience with arthritis shaped who I am today. Throughout my childhood I was reliant on specialized doctors and treatments to help my arthritis. That reliance taught me the importance of accessible healthcare and sparked a deep desire within me to help others.

Travel has only deepened this desire. Every new place I visit opens my heart and mind in different ways as every culture is unique and valuable. However, through traveling I have realized there are massive inequalities in healthcare across the world. I have realized that I do not want to just see the world; I want to help the world. My hope is to one day study and work abroad and use my experience and education to make a meaningful impact on others around the world.