Jalissa Cornwall strives to be a stepping stone for incoming first-generation students to help guide them through college, as the Mount's compassionate staff has done for her.
What is your year and major? What is your anticipated graduation year?
Senior, Middle Childhood Education major, December 2024.
Why did you choose the Mount?
I chose the mount because I was looking around for a college that made me feel like I was at home. I didn’t want to go somewhere that I felt like I was just a number I wanted to mean something. I wanted to go to a college that I could thrive in and build connections and my resume, and the Mount was it.
How did the Mount help accommodate your transfer needs?
The Mount made me feel wanted. My transfer advisor Amy Wolf was absolutely amazing, she would send me emails almost weekly asking how the process of transferring is going, and she would let me know if they were able to transfer in another class. They kept me well in the loop of my transfer process and made me feel like the Mount was my home.
Are you involved in any student organizations or extracurriculars? If so, how have these supported your academic success?
I am currently on the cheerleading team at the Mount and this is my 3rd year on the team--it has helped me grow tremendously. Just recently we got a new director of the spirit program, and she has helped me in more ways than imaginable. I am also the spirit chair of student government and that has helped me build more connections that have helped me with many things. I am a part of the Lion's First program as a head mentor, and this opportunity is one that hits close to home for me. Being a first gen college student is very hard and I found a way to make it work, so being able to be a stepping stone for incoming first gen students and help guide them through college really means a lot to me. I am a campus ambassador which is a wonderful opportunity to give tours and be on student panels for prospective students. I love sharing my experience with them and being a part of the process of them finding a college that feels like home.
How do you manage your course load along with other obligations?
I keep myself on a very busy but enjoyable schedule. I have learned that keeping my schedule busy is what keeps me going. Having too much time to sit around sometimes causes me to become lazy, which is why I love the Mount because I can be involved in so many things and not have any scheduling issues.
Are there any staff or professors you would like to credit who helped accommodate your transfer experience?
Amy Wolf was tremendous in getting me transferred. I like to say she is one of the main reasons that I transferred to the Mount. Also, Professor Michael Bindis was incredibly helpful when getting me transferred he helped me understand the extra classes I will need to take for the Mount's core curriculum and what classes I have already taken that will transfer.
Describe one of your favorite memories at the Mount so far.
My favorite memory was cheering the football team on to winning the HCAC championship this past year. I loved being able to be a part of that experience, it’s a memory I’ll tell my kids about.
What advice would you give to someone looking to transfer to the Mount?
I would tell someone looking to transfer to the Mount to keep an open mind. Not everything is going to go perfectly, just trust the process.