When she first arrived at 56�Թ��� Bothell, alumna Hannah Kim, Computer Science and Software Engineering ‘25, felt nervous about what lay ahead. But the tight-knit community at 56�Թ��� Bothell quickly introduced her to engaging classes, like-minded peers and interactive clubs. She gained technical skills as a student and strengthened her interpersonal abilities while serving as the president of the Association for Computing Machinery Club. In the future, she hopes to be a software engineer or product manager with dreams of traveling the world along the way.

How did your academic and extracurricular path unfold during your time here?

I was originally an intended chemistry major. I just decided to take a CS course, and I fell in love with it. In my sophomore year, I focused on getting into the major as well as on my studies. Junior year I joined one of my first clubs, ACM. And then senior year I became the president of ACM as well as another club, IXDA. I’ve been able to see so much of the campus that I couldn’t before.

Why did coding resonate with you more than your original field of study?

Even though it was hard, it never felt boring. Once I finished learning about a topic or finished really hard projects, I felt a bigger accomplishment than I did when I was just finishing chemistry problems. I could actually see something I built myself, like my code running and working.

What’s one project that really stuck with you during your time at 56�Թ��� Bothell?

In my Principles of Human Computer Interaction class, we made an application that simulates Zoom, but you’re able to do some of the actions with just your hand input. You could swipe to open the chat and then use different hand motions to mute and unmute. That was cool, learning about accessibility and being able to apply it into a widely used application.

How do you think you’ve grown personally or professionally during your time at 56�Թ��� Bothell?

I’ve definitely gotten more comfortable being uncomfortable. Like being able to speak in front of larger crowds or different stakeholders, especially through my experience in leading ACM.

Why was it important for you to foster connection and collaboration through ACM?

If you support others, they’ll be there for you as well. Building that community is important and making sure you have even a couple of key people who you can really trust and grow with is super important for your own growth. ACM helped me ease into that because even in high school I didn’t have a community, or my friends were all doing different things.

Who has had a big impact on you?

Professor Annushka Zolyomi. Even just starting with being in her class, she made sure that the environment was welcoming, and that students could ask any type of questions. Once I joined her research, I was a little bit intimidated, but again, she reassured me and was able to get me set up for success.

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“I was part of the AVID program in high school,” Vorn said. “It opened my eyes to what college could mean — not just in terms of income but in what kind of life I could build.”

That drive led her to 56�Թ��� Bothell, where she embraced the challenges of being a first-gen student. “I didn’t want to waste what my parents had given up,” she said. “So, I made the most of every opportunity. I asked for help when I needed it, and I built strong relationships with people who believed in me.”

A mentor and a moment of transformation

One of those relationships changed everything: Professor Deborah Hathaway.

“She was my sunshine,” Vorn said. “Her classes helped me express myself and find confidence — especially in her voice and movement class. It pushed me outside my comfort zone and helped me embrace who I am.”

What started as an academic requirement became a turning point for Vorn. Hathaway’s mentorship helped Vorn build more than just skills — it built a new mindset.

“She taught me that it’s OK to feel uncomfortable,” Vorn said. “That’s often where growth happens.”

From volunteering to a career in science

Vorn’s journey into health and manufacturing began before college. Her first job was at an orthodontist’s office where she had her braces done. What started as a volunteer gig — helping make impressions and putting rubber bands on brackets — became a hands-on introduction to health care.

After college, that early curiosity led her to a role as a Manufacturing Associate at Bristol Myers Squibb, where she now contributes to life-changing treatments on a global scale.

“My background, my culture, and my family — they’re all a part of what motivates me,” she said. “In Cambodian culture, family is everything. And my parents were involved every step of the way in my education.”

Honoring the past, while building the future

At 56�Թ��� Bothell, Vorn learned to bridge her past and future — finding balance between discipline and self-expression, hard work and healing.

“I was taught to be tough and to work hard,” she said. “But college also taught me how to breathe, how to ask for help, and how to grow in ways I hadn’t imagined.”

Now, as a young professional in the biotech industry, she continues to carry those lessons with her — honoring her roots while forging her own path forward.

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Where do you consider your hometown to be?

I tell people I’m a Midwest farm boy from Columbus, Ohio.

What was your first ever job?

I was helping a professor at Ohio State University who ran a summer camp for autistic kids.

When did you start running in 56�Թ��� Bothell Husky 5K?

I ran the very first one. I remember the first couple of years they were put on as part of a project management class. I pulled my records and from what I can tell, I’ve run 15 of them at this point!

On the 5K’s (in)famous hill (#IYKYK)

Over the years I’ve developed, you know. Initially, it was a dread for that hill. But after a point, I’m like, “I know how big the hill is. I’ve done the hill so many times. It’s a known amount of pain.” So I kind of look forward to that little hill now.

Are you serious about running, and do you do other races?

No. Man wasn’t meant to run more than 5K. One time when I ran an 8K, I got by the 5K mark and wondered why I was still running.

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