Is it true that you can see the Space Needle from the bathroom in your house? How does that compare to what you saw out the bathroom of your house on the rural Pandora farm where you grew up?

Yes! I can see the Space Needle from my bathroom window! Although a beautiful site, I am partial to the pond and pine trees I viewed from my Pandora farm.

You graduated from PGHS when? How did you choose to attend Anderson (IN) University? What was your major? What kind of extracurricular activities were you involved in?

I graduated from PGHS in 2009, and then went on to receive my Bachelor's degree in Public Relations and Writing at Anderson University (AU).  I decided to go to AU after visiting and feeling as though the campus was a home away from home. I felt a sense of peace about the decision and knew that my time would be well spent at AU- learning on my visit that they have a wonderful Communications department that offers their students real-world experience. 

How did you decide to do voluntary service after college?

When second semester of your senior year rolls around, everyone begins to ask you what your plans are after graduation. Well, at that point I really didn't know. I had a feeling that I didn't want to go straight into the "real-world" but didn't know what my other options were at the time. That was when my mom encouraged me to look into Mennonite Voluntary Service. After praying about what to do post-grad, I felt a strong calling to serve in Seattle- so here I am!

You're now with Mennonite Voluntary Service, working at the Washington Trails Association. Tell me about your work responsibilities.

I work in the Development department,  which is different than anything I have done before, and I love that. Primarily, I work with membership and all the facets involving WTA's members and donors, whether appreciation parties, membership renewals, thank you notes, etc. I also get the opportunity to get out of the city and work with a team, helping restore and built new trails- a lot of hard work that is very fulfilling.

What is the purpose of the WTA? What do you enjoy most about your work?

WTA is a non-profit that works to promote and maintain the trails throughout Washington state, while advocating for hikers and inspiring youth to become more active outdoors. WTA is a great resource for so many people throughout the state of Washington, hikers or not. I think what I enjoy most about my job is hearing the stories of lives changed because of WTA's mission. Makes my job that much more enjoyable!

Are you getting to do a lot of hiking? Have you tackled any part of the Pacific Crest Trail yet?

I have done some hiking since I got out here, but sadly I came just as "peak" hiking season was ending. I say that but then I think, I work at WTA, all year is hiking season! I haven't tackled any of the PCT yet, but don't worry, it's on my Washington Bucket List!

How long is your term of service? Do you think you'd like to stay in Seattle after you finish?

My term is a year, and the second part of your question is a hard one. I love Seattle, and all the wonderful things to do in and around the city. Although it has a lot to offer, and I will pour myself into experiencing it all during my year, I think my heart is in the Mid-west. My mom can attest that this is something I thought I would never say and even as I say it now I'm reconsidering my words. But's it's only November, so ask me again in six months!

Have you been able to explore Seattle and beyond to other parts of the state? What have you enjoyed most about Seattle? What are some of the places you've visited? How do you travel?

Thankfully, I live with a bunch of people who love to explore, just like myself, so getting to know the city a little better has been so much fun! I live on Capitol Hill and work downtown, so there are so many opportunities to get to really know Seattle as a resident and not as a tourist. But, having said that, I have done my fair share of "touristy" things, like going to Pike's Place Market, visiting the infamous "gum wall," taking the water taxi to Alki Beach in West Seattle to watch the seals swim. I’ve also had opportunities to trek all over Washington state, allowing me to see Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Rainer, only from a distance but I plan to see them closer soon! The Seattle culture is such a breath of fresh air, so naturally I am enjoying everything. There are so many shops, restaurants, concert halls, ice cream shops, that I don't think I could ever be truly bored.

You live in a house owned by MVS, correct? How many people live there? How does it differ from living in a house with college classmates? Do you share responsibilities for care of the house?

Yes, I live in a house owned by two Washington Mennonite churches who support the Seattle MVS program, Seattle Mennonite Church and Evergreen Mennonite Church. It's a fairly big house, which is good because there are eight of us who live there. It is very different than living with your best friends in college in so many ways, mostly in the sense that when I moved into the MVS house, I was meeting all my roommates for the first time, so there were plenty of long silences that we now all laugh about, thankfully. It's a new experience and definitely unlike anything I have ever had, which is what I had hoped for in coming to Seattle. So, with living in a house comes the dreaded chore list. Just kidding, it’s not that bad because we rotate chores so not one person get stuck cleaning the bathrooms for the whole year. We all work really well together and are all very understanding, so that makes the house chores much more enjoyable. 

How is Seattle different from small-town Ohio? Any similarities? What do you miss most about Ohio?

Seattle is very different than small-town Ohio, but I think all the differences I could list would make this "Three hours with Hannah Schumacher," so I will stick to the similarities. Two of the major similarities I have seen are that although a city, Seattle has a way of being very "small," so I never felt overwhelmed or lost, which is something I can say I never felt in Pandora or Bluffton! I also really appreciate the community of Seattle- or maybe Capitol Hill in general because that's where I live and what I know most. Like small-town Ohio, Seattleites take care of their own and are very proud of where they come from.

What is the weather like? Temps? Have you had any snow yet? Do you plan to do some skiing or snowshoeing?

The weather has been wonderful up to this week, and then "Winter" began and the rain started. I want to clarify that when I say rain, But, the rain we get in Seattle is very tolerable, from my Mid-west perspective. I remember one of the first weeks I was in Seattle, I was riding the bus to work and it thundered and lightninged outside. Now, to me, I thought nothing of it. But man, everyone on my bus started to freak out and I kind of just looked at them with what was probably a horrible facial expression. Luckily, the woman beside me was not a native of Seattle and saw my confusion. Tapping me on the shoulder she said "thunder and lightning…. that hardly ever happened here." And she was right, I haven't heard it since.

Is it true that -- like the Perry Como song -- "the bluest skies you've ever seen are in Seattle?"

I don't know about the bluest skies I've ever seen, but they are great!

You begin writing a blog when you began this adventure. You've got some great photos! Tell me about the Gum Wall.

Thanks! The Gum Wall was so much fun. It's right under Pike's Place Market.  Although a little disgusting, it was really cool and actually kind of pretty. I made sure I had some gum in my purse so I could  partake in the ritual. When you're a kid, you're always told that gum goes in the trash, not under your desk or nightstand. At the Gum Wall, you would see adults second guessing whether to leave their gum, as though the rule from their childhood was still telling them it was wrong. Everyone in that small alley was a middle school kid, being told they could put their gum on a wall… it was hilarious to watch.

What is on your bucket list of things to explore while you're there?

So many things! I want to do way more hiking, go to the top of the Space Needle (when my parents visit so they can pay… is that bad?), visit the Fremont Troll and the Ballard Locks and as many local ice cream stores as my budget will allow!

Anything I should pass on to your mom?

Of course! Sometimes she will call me when she gets to work- and although it is always a joy to talk to my mama... that’s around 5 a.m. my time. So maybe just a friendly reminder I’m three hours behind Ohio time. Haha- she knows I’m kidding... kind of! :)