Freshman Learning Community Peer Mentors

Class: Senior
Major: Kinesiology and Health
Option(s): Pre-Physician Assistant
Hometown: Marshalltown, IA
About me: Hello! My name is Aida Almanza. Here at Iowa State I am a part of the Human Sciences Council, Pre-Med Club, Triathlon Club, Soccer Intramurals, and the Greek Community. I am also in Dr. Thippeswamy’s Research Laboratory studying Epilepsy. I am both a Science bound and Hixson scholar! During my free time I like to work out, swim, bike, and run, spend time with friends and just have a good time. This will be my second year as a peer mentor, and I am beyond excited to return and assist you in your transition here at Iowa State and can’t wait to get to know all of you! Go State!

Class: Senior
Major: Kinesiology and Health
Option(s): Pre-Human Medicine
Hometown: Ely, Iowa 
About me: In addition to my major, I’m pursuing a minor in business. During my time, I have been involved in Dance Marathon, Blood Drive, Pre-Med Club, Cy-Squad, Senior Class Council, and the Greek Community. I’ve had multiple internships in the health care field and currently work as a CNA and at a dermatology clinic. Also, on campus, I serve as an undergraduate research assistant in Dr. Lefferts’ Clinical Vascular Research Lab. In my free time, I enjoy a good read, workout, and being outdoors as much as possible with my friends and family. I’m beyond thrilled to meet and welcome you all into the Cyclone family! 

Class: Sophomore
Major: Pre-Athletic Training
Hometown: Huxley, Iowa
About me: Hey everyone! My name is Caitlin Maher and I’m a sophomore in Pre-Athletic Training. I am so excited to work with you all this semester. I’m part of the Panhellenic community (Alpha Delta Pi) and involved in DubH here on campus. One fun fact about me is that I simply can’t pass a kid’s lemonade stand without stopping! If anyone is ever nervous during the semester, please feel free to give me a call!

Class: Junior
Major: Kinesiology and Health
Option(s): Pre-Physical Therapy with a minor in Psychology
Hometown: Cottage Grove, Minnesota
About me: My favorite place to study is in the MU by the side entrance to the great hall! It has a window and a piano by it and it’s so nice!

Class: Senior
Major: Kinesiology and Health
Option(s): Community and Public Health
Hometown: Johnston, Iowa
About me: Hi, I’m Haley, and a few things about me are that I love to hang out with my friends and family in my free time and go on walks with my dog. I also would say that my favorite food is ice cream. I also really enjoy traveling and would say my favorite place is Cabo San Lucas in Mexico. I love Iowa State and would say my favorite class I have taken so far would be Human Disease’s, as it was extremely interesting, and I learned a lot!

Class: Senior
Major: Kinesiology and Health
Option(s): Pre-dentistry
Hometown: Johnston, Iowa
About me: Hi everyone! My name is Josie! A few things about me are that I coach gymnastics here in Ames and I love pizza!

Class: Sophomore
Major: Kinesiology and Health
Option(s): Pre-Occupational Therapy
Hometown: Ankeny, Iowa
About me: I love to travel! I am hoping to study abroad in Greece my junior year. I also love talking to new people and making new friends. I can’t wait to meet everyone!

Class: Junior
Major: Kinesiology and Health

Options: Pre-Occupational Training
Hometown: Decorah, IA
About me: Hello everyone! So far in my time at Iowa State, I have become involved in the Greek Community, Line Dancing Club, intramural sports, Cyclone Alley, and SALT Company. In my free time I enjoy working out and spending time outside hiking and exploring new places. I’ve become quite the foodie and will never say no to an iced coffee. I also love being with my friends, family, and dog! I’m really looking forward to meeting you all and welcoming you to Iowa State! 

Class: Senior
Major: Kinesiology and Health
Option(s): Pre-Physical Therapy with a minor in Psychology
Hometown: Carlisle, IA 
About me: Hi everyone! My name is Kennedy Sorenson. Along with my Kinesiology and Health major, I’m pursuing a minor in Psychology. I am currently the Vice President of Exercyse is Medicine. I am also involved in the College of Human Sciences Council. I’m also a part of Dr. Stegemöller’s Neurophysiology research lab, where we work with people with Parkinson’s Disease. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, going to the gym, reading, and spending time outdoors.  I love everything Iowa State University has to offer! I’m excited to meet all of you. Go State! 

Class: Junior
Major: Kinesiology and Biology
Option(s): Pre-Medicine
Hometown: Iowa City, Iowa
About me: In my free time I love being outside whether it be running, visiting a lake, or going for a hike. I just finished up working at a summer camp in Minnesota for the summer. When I’m in Ames there is a solid chance I am in the library studying or at the gym working out. I cannot wait for Cyclone Sports this year. Roll Clones!

Class: Senior
Major: Kinesiology and Health
Option(s): Pre-Physical Therapy
Hometown: Sycamore, Illinois
About me: Hi! I’m Megan! Here at Iowa State, I am involved in Kinesiology Club, am a member of the honors program, and work as a Telecounselor for the office of Admissions. In addition, I also am an undergraduate research assistant in Dr. Stegemöller’s Neurophysiology lab. In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with friends, working out, watching TV, and attending Iowa State sporting events. I cannot wait to meet all of you and help you start your journey here at ISU! Go Cyclones!

Class: Sophomore
Major: Kinesiology and Health
Option(s): Pre-Physical Therapy
Hometown: Overland Park, Kansas
About me: I am a member of the cross country and track team at Iowa State, and I love distance running. I love exploring local coffee shops, especially in Ames! My passion for kinesiology started in my involvement in many different sports, but I also enjoy the science-based aspect of kinesiology.

Class: Junior
Major: Kinesiology and Health
Option(s): Pre-Physical Therapy with a minor in Gerontology
Hometown: Iowa City, Iowa
About me: My favorite food is Mac and Cheese, but if you ever want to make me happy bring me cheese curds. My favorite dessert is anything with dark chocolate. An interesting fact about me is that I cannot walk past a dog without asking their owner if I can pet them.

Class: Senior
Major: Kinesiology and Health
Option(s): Pre-Medicine
Hometown: Ames, Iowa
About me: In my free time, I love spending time with my friends and family. I’ve picked up weight lifting and powerlifting through my journey at Iowa State and have enjoyed every bit of it. If I have one piece of advice, I’d say to take in every moment of your time in college because if goes by so fast.