Hanna Medley

Hanna Medley is an American volunteer and aspiring space science professional, known for her deep appreciation of science and history, volunteer work with NASA-related initiatives, powerful personal resilience, and a lifelong bond with animals. Born and raised in Arlington, Texas, Hanna's journey is marked not only by her academic pursuits across various schools but also by her meaningful relationships, adaptability in the face of frequent change, and a passionate love for diverse music, literature, and games. Navigating substantial family and personal challenges, she continues to keep her dreams of working for NASA and experiencing a life near the beach alive.

Hanna Medley was born in Arlington, Texas, where she experienced a simple yet fulfilled upbringing. From a young age, her core family consisted of her mother Heather, her aunt Michelle, and her grandmother Kris—who sadly has since passed away. Hanna also spent every other weekend with her grandfather Thomas until 2010. While her closest relationships were with her grandmother and mother, her bond with her aunt and grandfather was less prominent.

Hanna's memory of Christmases spent with her family stands out as a symbol of the warmth and love she experienced growing up. One particularly treasured moment was receiving a flannel moomoo as a child, a memory immortalized in family photographs and cherished to this day. Over the years, Hanna's life was enriched by the gentle presence of animals—dogs and cats have been companions throughout her life, providing steadfast comfort and joy.

Hanna Medley’s educational journey was marked by mobility and adaptation. She began her early schooling at Spear Elementary but soon transitioned to homeschooling due to her family’s frequent moves. In 2012, after taking an academic assessment, Hanna skipped four grades and attended Millsap private school for two years.

Pursuing further studies, she enrolled in Penn Foster’s online college, investing two years in an effort to earn an associate degree in business. The dynamic nature of her education imbued her with resilience and valuable lessons: she learned the importance of maintaining friendships across distances and developed coping strategies for adapting to new environments.

Hanna’s passion for science—specifically, the study of space—was a guiding force throughout her educational life. Her consistent interest in subjects like science and history propelled her to seek opportunities outside formal education as well. She became actively involved in volunteer work for platforms such as SciStarter and Zooniverse, where she participated in citizen science projects with NASA and other organizations, leveraging her enthusiasm and discipline for scientific discovery and space exploration.

Beyond academics and work, Hanna’s world is rich with diverse interests and unique talents. An avid reader, her literary hero is Stephen King, whose stories have consistently inspired her love for narrative and suspense. Music is a constant theme in her daily life; genres like K-pop, old-school hip hop, rap, and rock form the backbone of her playlists, with Eminem and BTS especially standing out as sources of motivation and joy.

Hanna possesses a particular fondness for animals—both wild and domestic—often noting that creatures seem naturally drawn to her presence. This affinity for animals is mirrored by a quirky prowess in games: oddly enough, she is remarkably skilled at the board game Battleship, a talent both friends and family acknowledge with amusement.

Hanna’s life is also deeply affected by recent family challenges. Her aunt Michelle underwent a double leg amputation, leading the family into financial hardship while navigating the complexities of disability approval. Compounding these struggles, her mother lost her job following a severe chest infection at the beginning of 2025. Hanna herself has faced her own employment difficulties, unable to secure remote or office work during this time.

Hanna’s emotional and relational landscape has been shaped profoundly by enduring friendships and close family ties. One of the most significant relationships in her life is with Taylor, her best friend of over a decade. Taylor’s humor, kindness, and support have left an indelible mark on Hanna—so much so that Taylor’s revelation of her marriage and new family was both heartwarming and surprising for Hanna. Despite evolving circumstances and busy lives, Hanna and Taylor strive to keep their longstanding connection alive, primarily through social media.

Family connections also play a vital role in Hanna’s emotional well-being. The deep bond with her mother, Heather, and the ongoing memories of her grandmother Kris have provided a stable emotional foundation throughout Hanna’s life’s twists and turns, reinforcing the value she places on resilience and kinship even in difficult times.

Hanna’s aspirations are deeply personal and multi-faceted. Professionally, she dreams of working for NASA in some capacity, connecting her love of science and her ongoing volunteer contributions to esteemed space initiatives. She harbors a strong desire for stability and tranquility—a future where she might live on the beach, enjoying the soothing rhythm of the tides.

Another profound wish is for meaningful interaction with animals, whether through personal companionship or more formal avenues such as volunteerism or wildlife rehabilitation. Hanna also yearns for the simple pleasure of a family vacation—something her family has not experienced in over 15 years—a symbol of a return to happier, more carefree times.