Gracie Hansen ’25 turns a calling into action with a social work degree at 20
Image: Gracie Hansen ’25 is graduating with her Bachelor of Social Work at just 20 years old and beginning her accelerated master’s program this fall — continuing her mission to bring hope to others as a future social worker. (PLU Photo / Sy Bean)
By Britt Board
Assistant Director of Communication
From a young age, senior Gracie Hansen ’25 felt a calling to help others. “I chose social work because I truly believe my purpose is to bring hope to the world and make a difference in people’s lives.” Now, as she prepares to graduate with a degree in social work, she’s well on her way to doing just that.
Gracie’s decision to attend PLU was instinctual. “It just felt right. I felt like it was a place where I belonged,” she recalls. Gracie’s connection to PLU started with AVID, a college readiness program, which introduced her to campus through college visits. Inspired by her AVID teacher (Ron Baltazar, who is also a PLU alum), she saw the university as a place where she could grow. That connection ultimately led her to choose PLU as the next step in her education.
Gracie wasted no time pursuing her calling. While still in high school, she completed Running Start, earning her Associate’s degree before graduation. That head start means she will receive her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) at just 20 years old – and she’s not stopping there. Gracie is staying in the Lute community and starting the accelerated Master’s in Social Work (MSW) program, where she will finish her graduate degree by age 21.
Finding her path through serving fellow students
While at PLU, Gracie has dedicated her time to supporting fellow students through her work in Wellbeing Services and Resources (WSR). Whether offering a safe space for overwhelmed students, taking vitals in the health center, or connecting students to individualized support, she loves being part of a community that prioritizes care.
It was through her employment in WSR that she discovered her passion for clinical social work, which she plans to pursue professionally as a neurology social worker. This fall, she’ll take the next step by interning at Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital while working toward her master’s degree.
Beyond her academic and career goals, Gracie is grateful for the kindness and sense of belonging she’s found at PLU. “The people here are always willing to lend a hand and chat,” she says. One of her favorite memories? “On the first warm day in February, my friends and I played frisbee in the sun during lunch and then grabbed popsicles from Old Main Market. It was such a simple moment, but so fun and refreshing.”
“While I do pay for college on my own, which I'm really proud of, having these scholarships has been a huge relief. They help alleviate the stress of tuition so I can focus more on my studies and less on financial concerns.”
Gracie’s journey has been supported by key scholarships, including the 253 PLU Bound Scholarship, PLU Academic Award Scholarship, and College Bound Scholarship. “These scholarships have allowed me to focus on my education and stay involved in my community,” she shares. “While I do pay for college on my own, which I’m really proud of, having these scholarships has been a huge relief. They help alleviate the stress of tuition so I can focus more on my studies and less on financial concerns.”
When she’s not studying or working, Gracie finds joy in snowboarding, hiking, yoga, and meditation – activities that help her reset and stay grounded. Someday, she hopes to open her own yoga studio, blending her love for wellness with her passion for helping others.
At PLU, education isn’t just about individual success – it’s about making a difference. For Gracie, that means using her skills and passion to uplift others.