Leadership Impacting Freshman Transition (L.I.F.T.) Peer Mentoring Program

We know that the transition to College can be a tricky one.  New faces, places, and expectations all await new freshman.  In order to help the freshman successfully transition to the Mount Aloysius community, the L.I.F.T. program has been created so new students can learn from students who were in their shoes not that long ago. L.I.F.T. Mentors are ingrained members of the LIBA 150 – College Success & the Mercy Experience course in the fall semester. Mentors work and plan with the faculty member teaching the course to develop and co-facilitate activities in the course to assist freshman in transition to higher education.

Mentors are expected to be engaging, enthusiastic about Mount Aloysius, resourceful, dedicated to their development, as well as the development of students they are mentoring. Serving as a LIFT Mentor not only supports the development and transition of the new students at the College, but allows mentors to develop their leadership, communication, and creative capacities. Not only will the L.I.F.T. Mentors play a pivotal role in the College Success course, they will be available to the freshmen students during weekly office hours in the L.I.F.T. Peer Mentoring Office in Main Administration Building 108.

Meet Our Mentors

Jordan Turner

  • Biology Pre-Medical
  • Curwensville, PA
  • Sophomore

Hello. My name is Jordan Turner. I am part of the Biology Club, Vox Nova, the Lacrosse Team, the Honors Program, and the Cheer Club.

Elizabeth Heitzenrater

  • Nursing (2+2)
  • Ebensburg, PA
  • Junior

Hi! I’m Elizabeth but I go by Liz or even hey you. I currently am in the nursing ASN program. I also work full time as a paramedic. On the chance I do have free time I can be found lounging around or helping teach CPR. I also LOVE to read and crochet. I’m also a big hockey fan.

Elissa McGee

  • Information Technology/Cybersecurity
  • Smithfield, Pennsylvania
  • Junior

Hello! My name is Elissa! I am a Mercy Presidential Scholar majoring in Information Technology with a concentration in Cybersecurity. Along with being a LIFT Peer mentor, I also work in the IT Helpdesk here at the Mount. Outside of academics, I take part in many clubs on campus such as the dance team, MACyber, and the Cyber Defense Team! Outside of school, I love to spend time with my loved ones and my puppies!

Alissa Walker

  • Early Education
  • Williamsburg, PA
  • Sophomore

I am in Phycology club, CAB, History club, and PSEA. I love reading, watching movies, crafting ,sewing, and spending time with my family/friends.

Dorina Istrefi

  • Biology
  • Tirana, Albania
  • Senior

Hello, my name is Dorina and I am an
international student here at Mount Aloysius College. I am the president of International Club, a member of the Biology club, an RA, part of SGA and I also work for Student Activities here on campus. I usually spend my free time hanging out with friends, watching movies or facetiming my family. I really enjoy being part of the MAC community.

Emily Dietz

  • Ultrasonography
  • Cleona, PA
  • Sophomore

I love going to campus events and having fun with friends. During the summer, I work at Hersheypark as a Rides Team Leader. I love to bake, and I am excited to be a Peer Mentor!

Julia Davis

  • Biology Pre-PT
  • Mount Pleasant, PA
  • Sophomore

I’m a member of the MAC Women’s Tennis Team. I also participate in Survivor Club and work in the Mission and Ministry department. I am also a Mercy Presidential Scholar. I enjoy being outdoors and spending time with friends.

Brock Pollino

  • PTA 2+2
  • Johnstown, PA
  • Sophomore

Hi I am a Presidential Mercy Scholar and I work a part time job at sheetz. I also enjoy playing golf and basketball in my free time.

Kara Watterson

  • Nursing
  • Westfield, PA
  • Sophomore

I am a mercy scholar and also involved in SGA. In my spare time I enjoy thrifting, crocheting, playing guitar and piano, and the outdoors.