Aryn Ricketts

Nominated by
McKenna Killion

Program
Westmoreland County Community College (RISE)

Semesters as a Mentor
2

Please describe in detail how this nominee stands out among the other peer mentors in your program.
Aryn exemplifies what it means to be an outstanding peer mentor in inclusive postsecondary education. As the very first mentor hired for the RISE program at WCCC, she stepped into a new role and immediately set the tone for what high‑quality, student‑centered support looks like. Her flexibility, patience, and willingness to learn in real time have been essential in navigating the first year of our program. Every day, Aryn arrives with a positive attitude and a readiness to meet whatever challenges arise, while always keeping students’ self-determination and inclusion at the center of her work. Aryn consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that RISE students feel welcomed and valued on campus. She has an intuitive sense of when to step back and encourage a student to try something independently and when to step in with intentional support. As a neurodivergent college student herself, Aryn brings lived experience that strengthens her mentorship. She is able to connect authentically with students, share her own strategies and challenges, and create a safe space for them to solve problems and grow. Her presence helps students feel understood, supported, and empowered to persist through difficulties. Aryn shows up consistently as a peer mentor, while also being a full‑time student, serving as the Executive Vice President of Student Government, and actively participating in multiple campus organizations. Despite her many commitments, she remains deeply dedicated to the success of RISE students and to fostering a more inclusive campus community. Aryn is not only a mentor, she is a leader, an advocate, and a role model across campus. Her impact on the RISE program and its students is profound, and her work embodies the authentic inclusion that serves as the foundation of inclusive postsecondary education.