Margaret Hancock is a people person and someone that rallies people together for important causes. She is inspired by and inspires those around her. Read her story to find out why she's our #WCW:
1. What's your story? What makes you unique?
'Though she be but little, she is fierce!’ - William Shakespeare
My story contains loving and whole heartedly embracing the following:
Green tea, kayaking, people, pasta, 4th quarters, ninth innings, and second halves. Acrylic paints, the Lowcountry, and Hammocking are a few of my favorite things.
I appreciate sass, class, and a glass half full. I genuinely enjoy long walks on the beach, the first feels and smells of fall, calling the Dawgs, and mint chocolate chip ice cream.
My story in a nutshell is that I was raised on an island when I was a child and had a whole farm of animals. I was the weird kid who loved middle school - and almost every year of school for that matter. I’ve endured a few hardships along the way, but have been very blessed with supportive family and friends who have never stopped encouraging me to always look at the positive side of life and to trust that everything will be ok. What makes me unique is that I have spent so much of my life anxiously striving to grow up and become an adult-and now that I am quickly transitioning into adulthood, I have turned back and embraced the elements of life that once brought me so much joy as a child: finger painting, climbing trees barefoot, dancing around in dizzy circles with my friends, and Saturday morning cartoons.
Adult hobbies also include: intellectual conversation, reading books, doing laundry, community service, and yoga.
2. What motivates you?
People. I love people. Something that I have personally struggled with, but still irks me to no end, is when people put themselves down and have low self esteem. We are all blessed with many gifts and talents and I wish for people to embrace their talents -embrace their gifts- and settle for nothing less. I so desire for people to own their character, their quirks, and their skills. We are all made beautifully unique and to serve part of a greater purpose. Why waste it as a result of doubt, shame, fear, or abuse?
Some of the most inspirational and amazing individuals I have been inspired by are the people that make below minimum wage and work twice as long as I do on a weekly basis, but continue to do so with a smile on their face.
You wonderful people- your humility and persistence in life is beautiful and impactful. Thank you.
3. Who is a hero of yours?
My mom and grandmothers. All three of them are wildly strong and outgoing women.
My mother is one of the hardest working, wisest, and biggest kids at heart you’ll ever meet. She taught me the importance of writing thank you notes, giving of your time selflessly, singing at the top of your lungs (alone or around others) and laughing at yourself.
Both of my grandmothers are in their mid 80’s and still practice yoga, kayaking, and paddle boarding on a daily basis - no joke!
They also have both started their own companies and non-profits, survived breast cancer, and have worked tirelessly to instill a culture of love and respect not only in their families but also in their communities.
Someone asked me recently if I was intimidated by their awesomeness. I laughed and told them not at all- it’s just setting the bar for excellence.
4. What's your future plan? Your goals?
My favorite question to ask anyone is “What do you want to be when you group up?". My personal answer to that question for a long time used to be, happy. But in all transparency, I’ve come to realize that for me, happiness isn’t a goal or destination, but a way of life. To tell you the truth, I don’t know what I want to be when I grow up, but I do know I want to help people. I want to assist in enabling people’s growth and helping them to tell their story. I hope to assist in instilling confidence in people to take a stand, be fearless, and to keep pushing boundaries. I wish for people to wake up every morning excited about life, excited about their jobs, and excited about what is in store for them.
I want to be a part of something bigger and make shit happen. I hope to help give people the tools to be successful in whatever way it means to them to be successful.
Oh and I really love art…so something with those aspects all creatively intertwined is hopefully what the future holds...
5. If you could give one piece of advice, what would it be?
I have two…sorry.
The measure of love is to love without measure.
&
Put on your hater blockers and shine on.
6. What is something you feel strongly about (a cause, belief, etc.)?
Human Trafficking and domestic violence. It’s a real issue in the world, and in cities around the US. It is a pretty terrible thing that people are being sold and abused at such alarming rates. I don’t think it is fair for children to grow up in such a tainted world exposed to the heinous crimes that are human trafficking and domestic violence. This epidemic continues to manifest itself in society and has horrendous repercussions that include but are not limited to: murder, rape, suicide, mental health issues, war crimes, debt, broken families, and a lack of faith in humanity.
I work for an awesome company, that helped create a campaign for the End it Movement, a coalition which helps shine a light on slavery.
Check out the video here:
Warning, this video isn’t all sunshine and roses, but it does provide a healthy dose of reality: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMyExi2q-ZI.
7. What's one of the coolest things you've ever done?
Dawg Camp. It is an extended orientation program at the University of Georgia for incoming first year and transfer students. My first few years of college were rough. I not only didn’t know how to ask questions, but I didn’t know what questions to ask, so I didn’t- I merely kept quite and tried desperately to blend into the scenery.
I did not go through Dawg Camp as a camper, but I had the opportunity to serve on the staff and executive board during my time at UGA. Dawg Camp is an amazing program that prepares students for college in unique ways. Before college begins, students have the opportunity to begin having conversations and learning about culture, community, diversity, and difficult-but-common questions surrounding college life. Not only did I meet my best friends, and some of my generations’ real play makers and game changers through Dawg Camp, but it also ignited my passion for working and communicating with all different types of people.
8. Anything we haven't asked that you'd like to talk about.
Find a hobby. You don’t have to be good at it, but find something that you alone enjoy. One of the greatest realities I stumbled into after starting my career was, "Never get so busy making a living, that you forget to make a life.” Take time out for yourself and to enjoy the present moment. Step away from your computer screen or turn your head away from your mobile device for a few moments and just look around. Observe the beauty around you and breathe in life.
If you'd like to reach Margaret, you can reach her HERE.