Patrice Nerone

In her dual-degree pursuit, Patrice stands out for her scholarship, leadership, and service. She has worked as a graduate research assistant and serves on the Institute of Pastoral Studies’ Student Engagement Committee. Her service work includes providing emotional and spiritual care to people who are homeless and to LGBTQIA+ people.

She has worked as a grief counseling intern at NorthShore Hospice and as a volunteer for organizations including the Sojourner Truth House, The Night Ministry’s Youth Outreach Program, Urban Clinical Pastoral Education, and the Jesse Brown VA Hospital, where she helps with the No Veteran Dies Alone program.

Patrice is a registered nurse, and before arriving at Loyola worked for 10 years at Cleveland Clinic. She received her bachelor’s degree in nursing in 2009 from Cleveland State University.

Here, Patrice shares how the first principle and foundation of Ignatius have influenced her in her work with homeless veterans and in her future vocation.

What was the most meaningful volunteer, service, or student organization activity you’ve been involved in? How has it influenced you or shaped you as a person?

I especially enjoy serving homeless veterans. I have learned much from them about resiliency, perseverance, and playfulness in coping with stressful situations. Despite any trauma or difficulties in their life, they remain hopeful and fun-loving. No kindness seems too small to them and they, in turn, demonstrate gratitude by seeking ways of being helpful to others. Witnessing their ability to be present to the moment regardless of what else may be happening in their lives and doing so with dignity and lightheartedness reminds me not to take myself too seriously and to trust that, no matter what difficulties arise, they will pass.

What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from your Jesuit education?

The most valuable lesson I learned from a Jesuit education is how to live life according to the first principle and foundation of Ignatius. Ignatius taught that we are intimately known and loved by God, that all things are created so that we may come to know and love God more deeply, and we give reverence to God when we respond by imitating Christ through our love and service to others.

What do you hope to achieve after college, and how has Loyola prepared you?

I hope to find a position combining chaplaincy and pastoral counseling. Wherever I find myself, Loyola has prepared me well. I am inspired by Loyola’s responsiveness to God’s call and commitment to service. The Institute of Pastoral Studies grounded me in the knowledge, skills, and heartfulness necessary to foster a pastoral presence in service to others. Loyola encouraged me to develop abilities I was unaware I had and to grow in ways I never imagined I could. Working with homeless women and young adults and in bereavement counseling provided me with rich contemplative experiences that deepened my self-awareness, which will better enable me to make myself fully available to others.