Faith Hahn

Q: What led you to make the decision to attend Delaware Tech?

“I was born and raised in New Jersey. I was employed as a hairstylist. In late 2014, I moved to Dover with my current husband. I wanted a career advocating for the community. It led me to the decision to attend Delaware Tech due to its endless opportunities and affordability.”

Q: Why did you choose your major?

“Before I started human services / social work, I was a licensed hairstylist in New Jersey; however, I wanted more hands-on work. Human services was an easy decision for me. As a child, my mother and father instilled family values that included community service, donating to charity, and providing assistance to those less fortunate, and advocating for those who may not have a voice. The immense passion for the community led me to the decision of choosing human services.”

Q: Describe your first day at Delaware Tech. What was that experience like? 

“My first day found me nervous like anybody but excited to start a new chapter. The support of my instructors and advisor were endless. I made good friends in all my classes who I still remain friends with to this day.”

Q: What was your most valuable experience from your time as a student at Delaware Tech?

“One thing I have always done is doubt myself when it comes to mathematics. I would ask my classmates, “What does math have to do with social work?” They would laugh and shake their heads. When I was a student at Delaware Tech, I learned to fall in love with the subject. I spent every day and countless hours in the tutoring center. The tutors pushed me to keep going and my last semester, if it weren’t for the tutoring center, I wouldn’t have passed.”

Q: Do you have a favorite memory from your time at Delaware Tech?

“When I first moved to Dover, it lacked a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community. I envisioned creating a LGBTQ support group at the Terry Campus since at the time it was the only campus that lacked a support group. My instructor, Silja Walter, was a tremendous help in devising a plan and initiating the organization. The goal was to have students who identified or were open to have a safe space to identify, make friends, and support one another, and that is when the LGBTQ+ organization COLORS was created. It was truly a success.”

Q: What is your job title now?

“I currently work at Modern Maturity Center (MMC) as the Front Porch Memory Care Director and Care Manager. I started in the same department at MMC for my first internship in 2017 and returned to volunteer. I was hired as an activity assistant in 2019 and after a few months was promoted to director of the program. I love it! I love my clients, MMC, and the community I serve!”

Q: How did Delaware Tech prepare you for your career?

“Delaware Tech prepared me with the terminology and technical skills that many students don’t have access to until graduate school, such as having the ability to conduct assessments and the use of motivational interviewing techniques in counseling. My instructors, in particular Silja Walter and William Hoffecker, assisted me greatly in building the skills necessary for the field.”

Q: What is your advice for prospective students joining Delaware Tech?

“Pursue your dreams, work hard on your achievable goals, and celebrate your wins. Remember to pay it forward.”

Q: What are your future goals?

“My future goal is to become a licensed clinical social worker specializing in gerontology. I plan to attend graduate school at Rutgers University in the spring of 2025 in hopes to obtain a master’s in social work.”