Overcoming the Impossible Through Setting Yourself Free with Hayley Anderson

Mike's Mentors Episode 4: Hayley Anderson shares their journey of self-exploration, self-reflection, and selflessness, focusing on having a fulfilling life.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hayleyeanderson2018/

Shippensburg Website Profile: https://career.ship.edu/front-page/meet-the-team/#hayley-anderson

Name: Hayley Anderson  Hometown: New Cumberland, PA

Professional: Interim Associate Director of Career Development at Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania

1. What is one of your first memories that taught you something about the world? 

One of my first memories that taught me something about the world was when I was first bullied as a middle schooler. I was a relatively sheltered child as I had been homeschooled before going to a brick-and-mortar middle school. I was socially adept but not as socially aware as some of my peers. I was bullied relentlessly for my lack of "pop culture" knowledge and my originality. This was the first time in my life that I can recall having the thought, "What have I done to deserve this"? I know this is a rather existential thought for a middle schooler to have, but this would be a thought that would haunt me for years to come, and still does some days - not about the middle school bullying, of course, but both good and bad situations that occur in life. What I have learned as someone who frequently struggled with something to the effect of "impostor syndrome" and, more simply, the concept of needing to deserve something (whether that be good or bad), I have come to the conclusion that sometimes, you might never be able to know the answer, even if you search far and wide for it; Some things in life don't have answers - they just are because they are. I have found a tremendous amount of peace and comfort through this acceptance.

1. What is one experience that challenged a belief and transformed your viewpoint?

An experience that challenged and changed some of my beliefs was when I decided to create a diversity, equity, and inclusion component to a position I held as an undergraduate student in a professional business fraternity called Alpha Kappa Psi. Through this process and coming up with a plan on how to make DEI a core piece of the organization, I did a lot of research and, through that, came to many new conclusions surrounding DEI and its importance. Additionally, I formed positive relationships with individuals I probably wouldn't have if it weren't for reaching out to ask questions and gain new perspectives on how to cause change within AKPsi. This caused a change in perspective because it allowed me to see the reality of what people are subjected to simply because of how they look or identify. Additionally, as someone who has never faced adversity due to appearance or identity, my perspective changed not only about the way in which I was going to execute a DEI initiative in AKPsi but also about how I can become a more compassionate individual and serve all humans to the best of my ability, not just those that look or identify similarly to myself. 

1. What is one identity or belief that you have that people might not know, and how does it show up in your life?

2. What are the three values that you bring into each space you occupy?

A core piece of me that is fairly unknown is that I am a Buddhist. If Buddhism had a tagline, it would be "Set yourself free from suffering, so you can help others set themselves free." In my mind, you set yourself free by living fully, freely, and compassionately. Somedays, this can be extremely challenging, but I have learned that the extra effort to bring those pieces to any situation is always worth it for the people you are interacting with (whether that be directly or indirectly) and you. This shows up in my life through working with students in a career coaching setting and participating in a seminary program so that I can better my own and other's spiritual health. As sappy or cliche as this might sound, I strive to have these values shine through in all situations I am involved in. 

1. Who is a mentor who has shaped or guided your journey?

My personal mentor is The Rev. Dr. Anthony Stultz, or as I call him, Sensei Tony, or simply, Tony. Tony came into my life at one of my lowest moments and taught me how to overcome the seemingly impossible by showing me how to live fully, freely, and compassionately in a personal and professional capacity. Tony remains one of my closest friends and mentors; I consider him family and am incredibly thankful for his continued impact on my life.

1. What is a dream or goal that you have? What did you do today to achieve steps towards that?

My dream is to live a happy and fulfilling life and to help others do the same. I have yet to learn through what conduit that might end up being. To this day, I have taken many steps and continue to do so by doing my best to live in the moment, connect with other humans, and gain knowledge in formal and informal ways so that I can leverage that information and newly found wisdom to drive my career and life forward. 

If you would like to be featured in a future installment of Mike's Mentors weekly spotlight, please get in touch with Michael Duignan or email [email protected]