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Meet Christina Hansen, VP of Next Steps!

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Stacey Oswald Student Contributor, Vanderbilt University
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Vanderbilt chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

Christina Hansen is involved, gorgeous, intelligent, and incredibly witty. But as blessed as she is, she also happens to be one of the kindest people I know. In her limited free time, she volunteers with Next Steps and just recently became Vice President of the organization. She’s kind of a big deal, so read on for more details about this lovely girl’s involvement in Next Steps… and what Next Steps is, if you don’t already know! 

1)  For people who aren’t familiar with the program, what does it entail? 

Next Steps is a program dedicated to giving special needs adults a real college experience here at Vanderbilt. Next Steps students take one Vanderbilt class as well as three Next Steps classes, and receive support during their 3 semesters here from Vanderbilt undergraduates. I was recently elected Vice President of Next Steps, and I’m hoping to use my position to bridge the gap between the Next Steps students and Vanderbilt extracurricular clubs in order give the students an even more well-rounded experience in the program.

2)  How did you get involved with Next Steps? 

I actually started working with intellectually disabled individuals during high school, and I found that I really loved being a confidant and a mentor for these students.  When I came to Vandy, I was immediately drawn to the Next Steps program for its unique approach to giving those with special needs a real college experience, and I’ve been involved ever since! 

3) What do you love most about the program?

I think the best part is the amazing support each Next Steps student receives when they join the program: as AmbassaDores, Vandy undergrads form a “circle of support” for each Next Steps student.  AmbassaDores serve in several great roles, from tutor to workout buddy to lunch buddy; I’ve served in every AmbassaDore role, and I love that regardless of the particular position, every AmbassaDore fosters a close, special relationship with the Next Steps students.

4) What has been your most memorable experience with Next Steps?

I think my most memorable experiences with Next Steps are the end-of-semester Circle Events, when all the AmbassaDores get together and take the Next Steps students out to do something fun as a group. This semester we had a fun get-together at Ben & Jerry’s – who doesn’t love that??

5) What else are you involved in around campus?

In addition to Next Steps, I was recently chosen to be a Gamma Chi Counselor for Vanderbilt Panhellenic Association. 

 
 
 
 

 

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Stacey Oswald

Vanderbilt

Stacey Oswald, originally from South Florida, came to Vanderbilt as a member of the class of 2015 and got involved with HerCampus her freshman year. She became assistant editor that year and is now the Campus Correspondent for Vanderbilt HC as a sophomore. Stacey is currently a columnist for Ask Miss A- Nashville and the life section of The Hustler. She's also very involved in her sorority, Kappa Delta, as well as Invisible Children. Outside of school and her extracurriculars, Stacey finds happiness in many sources, the most crucial being exercise and the sun. She loves to attend exercise classes and is an avid runner; she recently completed the Country Music Half Marathon. She also loves Vitamin D, especially when on the beach- though of course, she only soaks up the sun after applying SPF. A few of the things Stacey couldn't live without? Good food (especially from Sweet Cece's, Bricktops, and Samurai Sushi), great books (The Hypnotist's Love Story is a recent favorite), her family back in Florida, her wonderful boyfriend, and all of the great friends she's made at Vanderbilt.