Hannah Crayton ‘22 is confident she can make a difference with her degree and experience from Thomas, right here in Maine. 

“I really didn’t think it would be possible. I’m starting a job in a career field that I love and can see myself happy doing for a long time,” said Hannah, a Winslow, Maine native who is driven to influence a sustainable future.  
 
Even before marching across stage as a Thomas Scholar, Hannah had already landed a job directly related to her major: Sustainability Coordinator at OceanView, a private retirement community, in Falmouth. Hannah’s focus in this role is on new solar energy plans, food waste operations, and researching to work toward carbon neutrality.  

“I’m excited to utilize my degree knowledge in this course and lower OceanView’s carbon footprint. I feel that this job allows me to help people and help the planet which are my two passions in life,” said Hannah. 

Hannah’s experience at Thomas gave her the ability to diversify her knowledge and experience. As a 4.0 student and member of Alpha Chi, Hannah pursued a degree in Environmental Science and Policy, with minors Education, Sustainable Management, and Global Sustainability.  

Outside of the classroom, she gained experience as an intern for the Senator George J. Mitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions. There, she won sustainability awards with her team, was nominated for a Brookie Award through the Natural Resources Council of Maine, and she had the opportunity to work with Thomas College professor Dr. Steve Kahl representing her college in the “Maine Campuses Won’t Wait” initiative created by Governor Janet Mills.  

Hannah says these experiences really opened the door for a career in sustainability post-graduation.  

“I’d just like to thank all of my professors, current and past, for everything they’ve taught me both on and off the syllabus. I don’t think I’d be so prepared professionally and knowledgably to enter my career if it weren’t for them,” said Hannah. “I’d also like to emphasize that sustainability and earth conscientiousness is the future- the world has to become more sustainable for future generations. Everyone at Thomas College should take a course related to sustainability because it’s relevant to every job field.”