For Hannah Bean, spring of 2025 will certainly be one for the books.
As this Westwood native trains to run her first marathon in April, she also enters the homestretch of completing a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology at Northeastern University. With two very important finish lines in sight, Hannah is dialed in and ready to celebrate.
Over the past year, Hannah has worked as an intern at The Home in Walpole, which provides education and residential services to youth between the ages of 12 and 18. On Walpole’s 166-acre campus sits Clifford Academy, one of The Home’s special education schools that serves students who have educational, emotional and behavioral challenges that cannot be adequately addressed in a traditional public school environment. In her role, Hannah meets with kids one-on-one for individual counseling and provides clinical support across the program as needed.
“Whether they’re assigned to my caseload or not, I’ve had the privilege of getting to know each and every student in an individual and group setting,” says Hannah. “Seeing their faces light up with excitement reminds me why I’m pursuing this career in mental health counseling and of the purpose that I serve in the community.”
Coming from a competitive household, Hannah gravitated toward team sports throughout her childhood. She found enjoyment in basketball and soccer as a youngster and continued to play soccer all the way through college on the University of Dayton’s club team. When she graduated and no longer had a sport built into her weekly routine, Hannah turned to running in an effort to stay active and a new passion took shape.
“Running became such a learning curve for me because race days gave me the same thrill and feel of game days, however, all the work and motivation was something I had to search for within myself,” says Hannah.
Last year, Hannah committed to running the BAA Distance Medley, which requires one to complete a 5k, 10k and half marathon. The experience not only cemented her love for long distance running, but also helped Hannah discover what she was capable of accomplishing.
“Running has given me an outlet to strive to be the best version of myself possible,” says Hannah. “I can’t wait to see the version of myself that crosses the finish line on race day in April.”
Upon completion of grad school in May, Hannah plans to move to Chicago. She admits that running this year’s marathon will be the perfect way to honor her life in Boston and the iconic running community that exists here, before entering a new chapter.
“I get to experience the city I grew up in during its most exciting and prideful day,” says Hannah. “This will feel like a full circle moment for me, being on the other side of the barricade and participating in the race that has been on my lifetime bucket list since I was a kid.”
You can support Hannah in reaching her fundraising goal of $7,500! Click here to donate today.
