Hannah Packard, a senior graduating in exercise and sport science, came to the island from her hometown of San Luis Obispo in California. Her numerous contributions to the campus and relationships she has created will remain.
“I’ve learned a lot about myself, and how things happen in my life. This campus has changed me. I’m going to miss it,” said Packard.
“My time here hasn’t flown by. It has crawled. I’ve been here a really long time, but it has been cool to see the changes in me from the beginning to where I am now,” she said.
BYUH Professor Joel Reece of the EXS Department said, “Hannah has such a fun and down to earth personality. She goes the extra mile in her school work and manages her time very well." He continued, "Hannah is Seasider. She has developed her spiritual and secular knowledge while here at BYUH. Her character and integrity are of high Seasider caliber, and I am excited to follow up with her in the years to come to see how she is leading and building the kingdom.”
Packard said she will take her experiences and knowledge she gained at BYUH and apply them in her future endeavors, stating she has become more independent as a result of her studies. “I know what I want to do in my life. I got a little more entrepreneurial spirit in me from a class I took here.”
Packard plans on helping those around her through being a dietitian. She plans on starting diet and exercise “fat camps” that provide healthy environments for people to change their lives. She envisions a camp where everybody comes together wanting to target their obesity issues and where everyone holds each other accountable.
“If anybody had concerns about losing weight or if it was recommended from their doctor, they would be referred to my camp. I could help them with diet, with exercise, and with their self-confidence,” she said.
Packard said her camp will satisfy all aspects of her nature, and it will be a place where all of her interests come together. The camp will also encourage her to become better every day and give her knowledge on how to run a business.
Packard said camps like these hold the truly dedicated responsible to their goals, which in turn motivates them greatly. “Some people need someone to hold them accountable.” she said.
Her close friend and roommate, Rebecca Vigoren, said of Hannah, “She is a real example of integrity to me in academics, character, and spirit. I admire her independence. She has no problem doing things alone whether it’s going to a volleyball game or standing up for the gospel,” said Vigoren, a junior from Washington studying peacebuilding. “I am really going to miss her.”
Packard’s character is also shown by her humor, a trait that Vigoren said makes Packard different from other people. “She laughs at things that aren’t funny.”
Packard has held various jobs on campus and in the community. She said she has come to know people from all walks of life. Her diversified portfolio includes working at the pool, the Aloha Center, the gym, and Gunstock Ranch where she taught swim lessons.
She was employed at Ke Alaka‘i where she wrote weekly articles for the magazine, and also goes door-to-door selling pest control contracts for Terminix. Her independent sense of work ethic allows her to successfully work in this predominately male workforce, she said.
“It can be tough sometimes because people at the door don’t always take women seriously. You have to be assertive and in control of the situation,” she said. Her work at Terminix requires much self-determination to reach goals and make money. “I’ve never made an initial sale for $150 dollars, but I will.”
Ali Reece, a junior from Utah studying economics, said Packard always “brings the party with her wherever she goes. She even bought her own inflatable pool to have pool parties in. She screams California and makes everyone feel great. She is a big ball of sunshine.”
On Oct. 2, Packard, in conjunction with her friend, C. Joe Anaya, organized the semester’s largest dance party at Hukilau Beach Park. Their birthday bash consisted of a professional deejay, party lights, volleyball, and an all-you-can-eat hot dog bar. Hundreds of students and community members attended the event.
“BYUH dance organizers should take notes. Everyone was dancing. It was more of a relaxed environment,” said party attendee DJ Magee, a senior studying business management from Maryland.
“I think a lot of people have lots of ideas they want to get started, but they never act on them,” Packard stated. “Even if I failed at something, it would still be a success for me because I know that I put forth my best effort.”
In addition to all of her career goals, Packard aspires to marry someone who will contribute to creating a gospel-centered environment for her future family.