This year’s celebration will be held online in compliance with the State of California’s “Safer at Home” order. Chosen from a group of more than a dozen applicants, Hetter was selected to represent the Class of 2020 by a panel of judges comprised of faculty and staff. Hetter, who is also minoring in business administration, made the most of her time at Whittier and sought opportunities that fostered her own growth while helping others.
As a student leader on campus, she served in various capacities including executive intern to the associate dean for student life, orientation coordinator, and orientation advisor. Hetter also served as a residential life advisor, mentoring incoming students.
“I was always excited to meet my residents and watch them embark on their new journeys as first-year students of Whittier College,” she said in an interview in The Rock, where she was featured in the magazine’s Senior Moment.
Hetter is also a member of the Athenian Society, where she served as president and vice president. Off campus, Hetter was a COPE Health Scholar, a human resources intern at PIH Health, and a summer intern at the San Ysidro Health Clinic. During her internship at COPE, she delivered basic care for patients in cohesion with nurses, physicians, and other members of the care system. “My internships challenged me with opportunities to learn both from clinical and administrative settings,” said Hetter. “I was able to recognize how different organizations manage and motivate their employees in an industry that is solely focused on helping people in their most vulnerable state. I learned how important it was to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all, as walking into healthcare facilities may be intimidating and nerve-wrecking for patients and their guests.” Looking ahead, Hetter wants to continue a career in healthcare. She plans on becoming a nurse and further exploring leadership positions within the industry. For more information about this year’s Commencement ceremonies, visit whittier.edu/commencement.
