written by Jaylan Hayes
Junior Ryan Hanson came to Augusta University in her sophomore year for one main reason, she wanted to play softball. At the school she attended her freshman year of college Hanson didn't get to play as much as she wanted. She's now one of the catchers for the Jaguars and doesn't regret the change she made.
"It was nerve wracking to transfer because in my old school there was actually girls that were living from my city, and I already knew them. I knew it was going to be different because obviously it's the south and I've grown up in the north my whole life, but I was excited for change," said Hanson.
Hanson is used to a fast paced environment, and it was one of the main changes she had to get used to when moving down south. She always knew that northerners said southerners were slower, but she didn't realize how right they were.
"You don't feel like you're in a rush there, it makes the things that you do like a little bit more intentional, and I just think that just doesn't happen here as much," said Hanson
The accents and friendliness were also another adjustment she had to get used to. It's something that makes her feel like she sticks out a bit but she's slowly starting to become accustomed with the difference.
"I could be at target and a random person will want to talk to me for 20 minutes, but I'm not even trying to be rude, but I have to go," she added.
Hanson came into school with her mind set on a degree in accounting and has no plans to change that. While she thought about a business degree at one point, she realized she enjoys the behind the scenes stuff more than anything.
While softball is the sport Hanson has been playing since she was five years old it's not the only one. She also played volleyball from sixth grade to her junior year. She ultimately decided to give up volleyball to focus on her softball career.
When she's not busy with school, practice, or games Hanson enjoys hanging out with her friends. They've recently picked up the hobby of bedazzling canvases. But one of her favorite things to do is go to concerts.
"I love concerts like I really love them," said Hanson.
Hanson said she's probably been to over 50 concerts and expects that number to grow. With her hometown being so close to the Canadian border she often attends concerts across the border. She'll be seeing Coldplay this summer and she's relieved she survived the Ticketmaster queue.
Another interesting fact about Hanson is that she doesn't enjoy movies. She thinks they are way too slow, and they don't hold her attention. It's why she finds TikTok to be the perfect place because the videos just get right to the point.
"I love TikTok like a good 15 seconds does it for me. And like I got the point next," said Hanson.
She can say the 12 hour ban on the app was an interesting time for her since she had to move to Instagram reels. But she knows that was a universal feeling.
One thing Hanson wants people to know about her is that she really is nicer than she looks, it's just the New Yorker in her.
"My facial expressions may not be the kindest, known as an RBF, but I really am kind," said Hanson.
Softball schedule
