Isabelle Lee

Isabelle Lee is an 18 year old freshman student majoring in History at Mercyhurst University in Erie, Pennsylvania. She graduated in May, 2019 from Laurel High School in her hometown of Laurel, Maryland. Laurel is located halfway between Washington D.C. and Baltimore, Maryland. Although it is about a six hour drive to get to Mercyhurst from her hometown, her decision to come here was based primarily on the AIM (Autism Initiative at Mercyhurst). The AIM program provides students on the Autism Spectrum a unique opportunity to experience college life in a way that is least stressful and most beneficial for them. Other factors that she considered in regards to choosing Mercyhurst University over other schools was the strength of the History department and the opportunity to join the school band.

When I asked if she played a sport, she at first said no but then she asked, “Does band count?” I have to agree that it counts big time! Watching the marching band on the field during football games appears to be as rigorous as some of the sports that are played. They practice long and hard and they can work up quite a sweat.

Regarding her personal history, Isabella has three siblings, all boys. There is no question that when she was raised in that kind of home environment, she needed to toughen up. That’s why it is not surprising that she told me that she loves watching all kinds of sports. For football, she particularly likes the Washington Redskins, in hockey there are the Washington Capitals, for baseball, her favorite team is the Baltimore Orioles and in basketball her allegiance is split between the Washington Wizards and the San Antonio Spurs. I’m surprised that the 2019 World Series Baseball Champions, the Washington Nationals were not part of the equation. But then again, who am I to judge?