What’s your full name? Do you feel any connection to your name? 

My full name is Addie Garland Hanson. Legally, my first name is Addie, but technically it’s short for “Adeline.”

It was my great-grandmother’s name–I never met her but always heard that she was a woman who took herself and life very seriously. I try very hard not to do that, and to always look for and bring levity to most situations.

Where do you currently live?

Los Angeles, CA.

How did you end up living in the city / town you live in?

My husband attended business school at USC, which prompted us to move from Raleigh, NC.

What keeps you living in the city / town you live in?

We LOVE LA. The diversity, the chaos, the weather, the access to different topography, the food, the opportunity, and the people–we’ve made some great friends out here!

Would you change anything about your upbringing? 

Nope. I had a great upbringing that of course presented challenges, but I think those challenges made me a more resilient, motivated person.

Do you feel like an adult? What changed in you from youth to adulthood?

I love this question! I still feel like I could be 14 years old. I think the only thing that has really changed in me from youth to adulthood has been my sense and level of responsibility. 

When you look in the mirror, what do you tend to focus on about your appearance?

The clarity of my skin. I put a lot of time and pride into my skincare routine, and so I find that when I look in the mirror, I focus on how my skin looks and if it looks dull, what I can do to change that.

If you could change something about your physical being, what would it be?

I would say my metabolism / weight. I used to have a fast metabolism and never had to worry about weight gain until I hit 21 years old. It seems that since that time, I’ve had a hard time maintaining what I consider to be my “ideal” weight.

What do you tend to notice in strangers?

Their ability to be open, vulnerable, and kind.

What do you think strangers notice about you?

I would say my sociability and my lack of filter.

What do think those that know you say about you?

Probably that I have a good sense of humor and am not afraid to be open about my thoughts and emotions.

What would you hope they would say?

I would hope that they find me to be authentic, kind, humble, and approachable.

What do you hope never changes about yourself?

I hope that my sense of humor never changes. I also hope that I forever cultivate feelings of comfort and authenticity in those around me.

When was the last time you cried?

It’s funny–I usually can remember when ths last occurred, but life has been so chaotic recently, I can’t quite identify the last time.

When was the last time you made an adult cry?

When I spoke to my sister about her ambivalence regarding entering the Peace Corps. She became tearful when we discussed the root of her hesitation in committing to this endeavor.

If you could know exactly when and how you would die, would you want to know?

Nope–I have too much anxiety as it is. This would undoubtedly cause me more stress than it would comfort.

Have you had a mentor that has made an impact on your life? If so, who was it and what was their impact?

I’ve had quite a few mentors throughout my training, but the one who made the most profound impact on me was a mentor who caused me a great deal of anxiety and self-doubt. If anything, they inspired and showed me how NOT to act, and the importance of identifying and acknowledging the defenses that may be hindering our own healthy functioning and ability to interact with others.

Have you ever been a mentor to someone? Who was it?

I have very informally assisted people in understanding where to begin as it pertains to the specific track within my profession, but never as a formal mentor.

How do you view the role of your job in your life? Does it play a role outside of money?

I view the role of my job as a culmination of my childhood dreams, years of tireless work, and my love of understanding the “why” in each situation. To me, it holds so much more purpose than just a financial means; outside of my family and friends, it is probably one of my most proud accomplishments.

How much time do you spend thinking about work / school versus the other aspects of life?

I have previously suffered in moments where I let work affect my life at home and thus, have made a concerted effort to not think about or allow work to affect me outside of the office.

Is this a ratio you’re comfortable with?

Very much so–I would prefer to not think about work when I am home and to instead, enjoy time with my family as a wife, mother, and dog mama.  

2What is the one rule you try to live by? Do you feel successful at following it?

I’m not really sure I have a “rule” per se, but as I’ve mentioned, I definitely try to remain open, positive, and work to integrate levity when possible, into each situation I encounter.

I would say I am successful at this but of course, I tend to have moments of stress and anxiety where this falls by the wayside. However, I think the majority of the time, I am successful at this.