Hutchison Taught Hannah Freeman ’20 to be Curious, Open-Minded, and Engaged with the World Around Her

Hutchison helped me become a confident communicator, both in writing and public speaking. I’m often the youngest person in the room by more than a decade, and sometimes the only woman, but Hutchison taught me how to carry myself with confidence — how to ask thoughtful questions, communicate clearly, and think critically. Public speaking opportunities, especially my 8th grade and senior speeches, pushed me outside my comfort zone, and I now feel more comfortable and empowered to speak up in high-pressure situations.

 

My teachers not only showed me how to study, analyze, and actually enjoy learning, but they also created an environment that encouraged leadership and collaboration. Whether it was working on group projects, serving in leadership roles, or playing on the tennis team, I learned how to balance different perspectives, manage my time, and adapt when things didn’t go as planned. Most importantly, Hutchison gave me the confidence to take risks, learn from mistakes, and grow from them.

Hutchison encouraged me to explore many different interests: global studies, politics, science, writing, leadership, and to see how they could all connect in unique ways. While I thought I’d mainly enjoy science and math, I ended up really enjoying Mr. Robinson’s AP U.S. History and Government classes (especially our junior-year trip to D.C.), which showed me that I actually could enjoy learning about politics. At the same time, Mrs. Wesberry’s AP Biology classes sparked my interest in human biology, which later shaped my college major in biology and eventually led me to the healthcare sector where I work now.

Looking back, those experiences gave me the confidence to explore my interests and think creatively across disciplines, which is something I try to bring into my job. For example, I’ve joined the British Government’s Spanish-Speaking Network and collaborated with Embassies in Latin America, which combines my interest in science, language, and politics.

At Hutchison, being a global citizen meant being curious, open-minded, and engaged with the world around me. It meant caring about issues beyond my immediate community and being willing to listen to different perspectives. My role at the British Embassy involves strengthening diplomatic relations between two countries, which forces me to step out of my small world and understand the larger geopolitical forces at play. It’s also a reminder that even seemingly small contributions, like research or briefing notes, can play a meaningful role in major events, from Prime Ministerial visits to high-level trade negotiations.

 

Every day, I am working with colleagues from across the world, and I am constantly learning from the cultural, economic, and political differences. Also, the fact that the British Embassy sits next to the New Zealand and Bolivian Embassies on Embassy Row in D.C. reminds me just how close these international neighbors are. And sometimes I even get to pop over to the Italian Embassy for lunch!

How did your Hutchison experience help you get to where you are today?

Hutchison gave me the courage to pursue opportunities, even when they felt slightly out of reach. I didn’t know if I would be qualified for my current role when I applied, but I went for it anyway, and that leap paid off. That courage came from years of being encouraged to lead, speak up, and try new things at Hutchison.

Hutchison taught me that learning is something you carry with you —  not just for school, but for life. That mindset has shaped my approach to every part of my career, seeing tasks, meetings, and conferences not as just my job, but as an opportunity to learn a new skill set and knowledge base. Whether I’m learning about AI in diagnostics or attending a policy roundtable, I try to bring that same curiosity Hutchison helped spark. 

Hutchison gave me a safe space to push myself, whether it was presenting in class, trying out for the 3rd grade play, or applying for a leadership role. I learned that even if I didn’t have all the answers, I could figure things out along the way. That mindset has stayed with me and has been invaluable in my career, where I often find myself navigating new industries, working with senior executives, or stepping into rooms where I might be the youngest person at the table. 

Hutchison also showed me the value of community. Throughout my 14 years on Ridgeway Road, I knew I had 80 girls in my grade who would rally around me, and dozens of teachers and administrators who believed in me and poured into me. That sense of belonging and support has shaped how I build community in both my personal and professional life.