Hannah Marie Swanson films most of her videos in her closet. A background of mixed linens, textured denim and thrifted vintage sets the scene of Swanson’s class outfits of the day. In another video, she captures the brick streets, historic Victorian homes and a variety of knick-knack shops and eateries housed on Main Street that remind her of a Hallmark movie. What began as a creative outlet for a 30-year-old returning student grew into much more with the help of an algorithm and a town longing to be romanticized. Swanson, also known as @foxesse_ on TikTok, corners a niche side of the internet- one that writes love letters to small Pennsylvania towns through a video diary of sorts.

But the real story isn’t about Bloomsburg’s charm or the power of algorithms. It’s about the woman behind- and in front of- the camera and the choice to rebuild her life here.

Before returning to her hometown area, Swanson’s life looked very different. In high school, Swanson performed in 30 theater productions by the time she graduated. This love for the performing arts took her to New York City, where she studied at a musical theater conservatory, determined to find her place on stage. She arrived at the Big Apple with little more than a lease for an unseen apartment, her husband’s support and sheer determination.

“It’s always worked out for me,” she says. “So why would the next thing be any different?”

But life in the city came with a cost- her health. The audition process proved ruthless.

“…when you make it your job, an audition feels really scary because it’s like, ‘I have to book this or I’m not going to eat’,” she says.

To make ends meet, Swanson took up a job in corporate banking- an industry she describes as “awful and soul-sucking.” Her days blurred together in endless spreadsheets and the hum of fluorescent lights. Her spark was fizzling out, replaced with a quiet sense that she was becoming someone she didn’t recognize.

Her health began to suffer. The pace of the city, the hustle and bustle and the lack of balance made her ill.

“Cancer was on the table,” she says in reference to one of the potential diagnoses she faced.

A change was needed. Swanson and her husband, Jordan Swanson, who lovingly supported each of his wife’s wild whims, decided to go back to their roots- Pennsylvania. Back home, Swanson began to imagine what was next for her.

“I want to do something that’s bigger than me,” she says.

For many years, Swanson has said that when she finds herself done pursuing professional theater, she’d want to go into teaching. That’s exactly where she finds herself now. Swanson is a freshman at Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg studying education, a degree she plans on using to become a history teacher.

While Swanson left the city, she certainly did not leave behind her passion for creativity. Working as a social media manager for a local coffee truck, Swanson found herself wondering if she could create content about herself.

“I’ve always loved posting online,” she says.

So she did. Now, Swanson’s “Class OOTD” series is the main cornerstone of her TikTok account, where she shows off her bold patterns and season-themed fits. Being an untraditional student in a sea of 18-year-olds is cause enough for some trepidation when walking through the halls of your new university. To do it in pumps and plaid mini skirts only adds another level to the sport. But to her surprise, her wardrobe is what broke the ice. Expecting weird looks, Swanson was instead met with awe and compliments from her classmates. A revelation came upon her- “people are scared to look cringey.”

Swanson has taken this to heart, endearing to be the first person to put herself out there in any given scenario, to help others feel more comfortable. Now, the halls of McCormick and the sidewalks of downtown are Swanson’s very own runway. A runway she boldly walks, not just for herself and the journey she’s been on, but for every student who feels too embarrassed to do it first.

Her TikTok feed now acts as both diary and love letter to bold looks, small town charm and to the philosophy that starting over doesn’t have an age limit.

“… life is too short [not to] romanticize it,” Swanson says.