Lorra Hernon
B.S., cum laude, Nursing, with Minor in Psychology, 2021
Registered Nurse, Intensive Care Unit, Seattle Children’s Hospital
“Being an Alfie means becoming a member of a family with incredible people who uplift and support each other to be the best version of themselves.”
Notable: First-generation student, Additional languages: American Sign Language, Korean
Civility Research Project: Non-Utilization of Section 8 Vouchers: Why and a Proposal for Change
Transfer Institution: Pierce College, Associate of Arts, 2019
Service & Work:
Mentorship Officer, BSN '21 Transfer Cohort, 2020
Veteran Advisor, Outreach Center, 2020
Peer Mentor, UCOR 1910, July 2020
Fuel Systems Mechanic, Air Force Reserve, 2015–Present
Team Lead, Starbucks, 2017–2018
Volunteer, Special Olympics JBLM, 2019
Awards & Honors:
Spirit of Seattle University Award, 2021
Co-President, Tri-Alpha First-Generation Honor Society
Member, Tau Sigma Honor Society
Member, SALUTE Honor Society
Alfie Scholars Cohort 2019
President's List, Pierce College, 2018
Member, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, 2018–2019
Lorra’s Story
I am a student, airman, and spouse, but first and foremost I have always been a daughter. As a daughter to my exceptional deaf Korean immigrant mother, I have learned what it means to be independent, selfless and compassionate toward others. As a woman with no formal education, my mother stressed the importance of an education for a better quality of life. However, due to unfortunate circumstances I was unable to graduate high school on time with my peers. After witnessing the sadness on my mother and stepfather’s face, I told myself that I would do my best to make sure I never caused them that much pain again. At that moment I realized how fortunate I have been to have such amazing parents that had made so many sacrifices for my brother and me; I knew I needed to do better not just for me, but also for them.
At 19 years old I decided to join the Air Force Reserves. I knew this opportunity would give me the platform to strengthen my voice, serve my country and be financially stable to go to college. I didn’t know by joining that I would also find the love of my life, meet the most amazing people, and have the ambition to continue my service in the military by planning to commission as an officer. It has also given me the confidence to go back to school and pursue a degree in nursing to help more people.
It feels so surreal as a first-generation student to have been accepted into the nursing program at my number-one choice, Seattle University. It’s even more surreal to be an Alfie Scholar as a member of the fourth cohort. What I have learned throughout my continuous journey is that everything happens for a reason. I wouldn’t be where I am today without all of my life’s experiences. And if I could I give one piece of advice, I would say to remain resilient in the bad times because with patience, persistence, and kindness dreams are achievable.
Goals:
My goal is to graduate from Seattle University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing to then further my education in a nurse anesthetist program to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. My passion has always been to helps others, especially children. As someone who understands how overwhelming and intimidating a hospital setting can be for any patient, let alone a child, I want to ease the process by being their champion before, during, and after any procedure. Also, I would love to become an officer in the Air Force through the Air Force Nurse Health Profession Scholarship Program. I want to have the opportunity to serve our nation while expanding into healthcare to serve those within our community.
On Civility:
A leader for civility is someone who exemplifies compassion and kindness. They lead with integrity, honesty, accountability, and courage while allowing themselves to remain vulnerable. The objective of their actions is to bring about positive change. Those who interact with leaders for civility are left inspired and motivated.
