Meet Your OL

Ally

Pronouns: She/her
Year in School: Junior
Major: Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Sciences
Hometown: Wenatchee, WA

About Ally

I stayed overnight for my orientation, and at first I felt both nervous and overwhelmed by the heat, the unfamiliar environment, and being surrounded by so many new people. At the same time, I was excited about the opportunities that college would bring and the chance to meet people who could become lifelong friends. As the session continued, I became more comfortable and started connecting with others in my group. Those initial conversations quickly grew into friendships that carried over into the academic year and helped make campus feel like home.

My first year, I was a Wildlife Ecology major while also pursuing the pre-veterinary track. Although I was passionate about both paths, my experiences in Wildlife Ecology helped me realize where my interests truly belonged. Through classes, field experiences, and interactions with faculty and peers, I developed a deeper appreciation for the field and the many directions it could take me.

Since then, I have decided to focus solely on Wildlife Ecology, a choice that has allowed me to fully invest in the major I love. Along the way, I have been fortunate to surround myself with some of my closest friends and build strong connections throughout my department. My academic journey has provided many valuable opportunities, including field trips across the state and conversations with professionals working in a variety of careers. These experiences have broadened my perspective, strengthened my passion for the field, and helped me begin thinking more confidently about my future career path.