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?

Olivia French

Olivia French is a 19 year old Sophomore Student who started at Mercyhurst in August of 2018.  Although her hometown is Hermon, New York, she attended and graduated from Hermon DeKalb Central School in the nearby town of in DeKalb, New York in June of 2018.  The small town of Hermon has a population of only 1146 people thereby necessitating for the students to combine with those in DeKalb.   

Olivia did not participate in any formal team sports but she did quite a bit of downhill skiing. It is no wonder since Hermon, New York as way up at the northern tip of New York State where the snow is as plentiful as it is here in Erie, perhaps even moreso.

She chose Mercyhurst primarily due to the AIM (Autism Initiative at Mercyhurst) program. The program gives those that are on the Autism Spectrum specific help with any difficulties, both academically and socially, that the student may face during their course of study at Mercyhurst University. Olivia is very pleased to be in the program and claims that it has been very helpful to her.

Olivia is musically talented. She played the trombone for about 7 years prior to starting college. What is interesting is the fact that she played this instrument despite barely being able to read music. 

Some things she wanted to share about herself that most people might not expect is that she is fascinated by rare diseases. Some of the conditions she finds that are the most interesting are Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva, a rare condition that causes soft tissue, such as muscle and ligaments, to turn into bone, eventually paralysing the individual. Another disease that interests her is Progeria, a rare genetic condition that causes a child's body to age fast.  She also has an interest in Leontiasis Ossea, or lion face. This is a rare medical condition with overgrowth of the facial and cranial bones. To each their own, I guess. 

Casey Ball

Casey Ball is a freshman from Warren, Pennsylvania. He is majoring in Psychology and is considering picking up a minor in the future, yet he is uncertain what it will be yet. He has become more social as the semester has gone on.

Casey is currently a member of Psych Club, and he can utilize the club to gain knowledge for a successful future as a Psychologist. This club allows students to listen to speakers who are professionals in this field. This club will assist him in gaining the knowledge that is essential for a successful career. He decided he wanted to major in Psychology in his sophomore year of high school. He found it to be the most interest career path to pursue.

Casey is big in music as he plays a total of five instruments. These include; the guitar, ukulele, the mandolin, drums, and he can sing quite well. He was in a band for about a year. In the Fall of 2018, they did a show for a fundraiser for his classmate who passed away. Through this show, they were able to raise over two thousand dollars. The fundraiser was the last show they did together, and it was the most successful show they had as a band. His band decided to split at that time as their lives became too hectic at that time.

Casey grew up in a unique family dynamic. He has three biological brothers, and his parents were never together. They do not have the same sets of parents. He finds this to be an interesting dynamic to grow up with, as he found it fun to have three older brothers growing up. He was in several bands, and his one brother was in one of those bands. He periodically fills in for his brother's band as he enjoys spending time with him, and he can pursue his love of music.

Casey has a unique background and is quite easy to talk to. He can be shy at times when meeting new people if you have a chance to meet him, I would highly recommend doing so. He is outgoing and is looking to meet fellow members of the Mercyhurst Community.



- Isabel C. Merriman