Hawk Hands

Hawk Hands: Hannah Lake ’28

Student ambassadors embody the values and mission of the university through their community engagement. The Alumni Ambassadors at UNCW are no exception as they are catalysts for campus life and advancement. These students are committed to UNCW’s success and will soar high after graduation. Hannah Lake is one of these ambassadors and has made a positive impact at UNCW. Read below to learn more about his/her experience.

ABOUT YOU

Name: Hannah Lake
Class Year: Freshman
Major: Communication Studies
College: College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts
Hometown: Suburbs of Philadelphia, PA

YOUR SEAHAWK EXPERIENCE

Why did you choose to attend UNCW?

I have been vacationing on Wrightsville Beach since I was little, so UNCW just felt like home!

What does it mean to you to be a Seahawk?

Being a Seahawk means embracing lifelong learning, building meaningful connections, and representing UNCW with pride and integrity.

What is your favorite place on campus?

My favorite spot on campus is the quad! I love going out and sitting in my hammock with friends when the weather is nice!

What campus student organizations are you part of (outside of Ambassadors)?

Outside of Ambassadors, I am involved in the sorority Alpha Gamma Delta, the Surf Club, and Wakeboarding Club.

What is an accomplishment at UNCW that you are proud of?

An accomplishment at UNCW I am proud of is maintaining a 4.0 GPA in all my classes.

How do you balance your work/school responsibilities with your personal life?

I balance work and school with personal life by blocking out parts of the day for different activities. I keep track of my assignments and activities by using a calendar to stay organized.

How have you grown during your time at UNCW?

During my time at UNCW, I've grown significantly by becoming more independent, learning how to navigate challenges on my own, and uncovering new aspects of myself. This journey has also helped me discover my passions and better understand what truly excites and motivates me in life.

Where do you see yourself after graduation?

After graduation, I see myself exploring the world while building a career in communication — ideally working in social media. It’s a combination of my passion for creativity and my desire to connect with people globally.

What is the best piece of advice you have received?

The best advice I've received is to learn to be okay with yourself and take time for self-care. At the end of the day, prioritizing that relationship with yourself is essential for growth and happiness.

What advice do you have for students looking to be involved on campus?

For students looking to get involved on campus, I’d say start by attending events like the Involvement Carnival to explore the variety of opportunities available. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your peers or organization leaders — asking questions can open doors to connections and experiences you might not expect. Lastly, be open to every opportunity that comes your way — you never know what might spark a new passion or lead to personal growth. Getting involved is all about taking those first steps and staying curious.

YOUR AMBASSADOR EXPERIENCE

Why did you decide to become an Ambassador with the Division of Advancement?

I decided to become an Ambassador with the Division of Advancement because I’m passionate about giving back to the UNCW community that has given me so much. This role allows me to engage with students, alumni, and professionals while fostering Seahawk pride. It’s an opportunity to grow as a leader, build meaningful connections, and promote the values that make UNCW special.

What is an accomplishment with the Ambassadors that you are most proud of?

As a new member of the Ambassadors, I’m proud to have already built meaningful friendships and connections while developing my leadership and communication skills. It’s been a rewarding start, and I’m excited to continue growing in this role.

How has being an Ambassador set you up for success after graduation?

Being an Ambassador has equipped me with valuable workforce skills like leadership, communication, and public speaking. It has also opened opportunities to build connections with alumni and the campus community, which will undoubtedly support my professional growth after graduation.

What advice would you share with your peers about getting involved with Advancement events and campaigns?

My advice would be to stay open-minded and take advantage of opportunities. Go to events, meet alumni and professionals, and learn from their experiences — they can give you great ideas for your own path. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or get involved, whether it’s volunteering, helping out with campaigns, or sharing your thoughts. These things can help you feel more connected to UNCW and build skills and friendships that will help you even after college.

What has being an Ambassador taught you about philanthropy and giving back to UNCW (through time, talent & treasure)?

Being an Ambassador has really shown me how important it is to give back to UNCW through time, talent, and treasure. Whether it’s volunteering your time to support events, sharing your talents to make an impact, or contributing financially to help programs grow, every effort helps create opportunities for other students. It’s taught me that even small actions can make a big difference in building a stronger Seahawk community for the future.