Michigan in Washington Student of the Week: Hannah Tanner

Hometown: Hemlock, Michigan

Major: History

Minor: Museum Studies

Internship placement: Museum Services Intern at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

 

Why did you decide to do Michigan in Washington?

I knew I wanted to work in museums even before coming to the University of Michigan and while at Michigan my academic advisor always encouraged me to apply to the Michigan in Washington program. I knew I couldn’t miss the opportunity to work for some of the best museums in the world, so I applied and got accepted. Michigan in Washington is the perfect way for me to end my college career and begin my time as a museum professional.

 

What do you do during a typical day at your internship?

One of my favorite parts of a typical day at my internship is being able to eat my lunch with all of the museum volunteers. Many of them are survivors of the Holocaust and love to share stories about their lives. My favorite experience at the museum thus far was being able to work with the historic shoes that are on display in the main exhibition. Within the exhibition is a collection of shoes taken from Majdanek, one of the many concentration camps in Nazi-occupied Europe during the Holocaust. Being able to connect with the artifacts is something I will never forget.

 

Which elective are you taking and how does this class apply to your time in D.C.?

I am currently enrolled in the “Youth, Social Media, and Development” course.

My favorite part about this class is I know I will always learn something new. Whether it is because of the diverse number of topics we are discussing or the diversity of ideas within the classroom, this class always keeps me curious and constantly asking new questions about the world around me.

 

What do you like to do in D.C. during your free time?

In my free time, I like to visit all of the museums in DC, as well as take as many photos as possible of the beautiful city. I am also on the hunt to find the best mac & cheese in DC, so let me know if you have any suggestions!

 

What’s something on your D.C. bucket list and what is something that you have crossed off of your D.C. bucket list?

On the top of my bucket list is visiting ALL of the Smithsonian museums in DC. Additionally, I’d love to go to the top of the Washington Monument. So far, I have loved visiting the Smithsonian Zoo and going on a tour of the White House.

 

What advice would you give to a student interested in Michigan in Washington?

APPLY! if you’re interested (and even if you’re not). Don’t leave campus without knowing you tried to get all of the opportunities you could possibly get as a University of Michigan student. You never know what opportunities could be waiting for you in Washington, DC.