HCGMU: What is your major?
Ally: I’m a double major in government and international politics and global affairs with a concentration in international development. I’m also a master’s candidate, which means I’m in the accelerated master’s program. This May I’ll graduate with my bachelor’s degree, and next May I’ll graduate with my master’s degree.
HCGMU: Where are you originally from?
Ally: Branchburg, New Jersey.
HCGMU: What’s an interesting fact about you?
Ally: I have an identical twin that goes to Towson.
HCGMU: What organizations are you involved in on campus?
Ally: I am the Student Government President, the Panhellenic delegate for Alpha Xi Delta and I’m a Mason ambassador.
HCGMU: What would you say has been the main focus of student government this year?
Ally: I would say student outreach and fostering better connections with the study body. Student Government ultimately wants to create a better experience for Mason students. We focus on the big issues and we pay attention to the little things that no one has looked at before. When you ask students what they care about they typically mention dining, housing, parking and I.T. These are the big issues because they are relevant to everyday life. When it comes down to education, a lot of people don’t notice how the lack of advising affects them until they put in their intent to graduate and are not able to graduate on time. We’re trying to avoid that from happening. We’re working with the advising department to help students become more aware of how advising works and the importance of going to advising at least once a semester.
HCGMU: What are some upcoming events that are exciting for student government and Panhellenic?
Ally: Student government has deemed November, “Services Month.” In November we have 4 town halls, which are open forums where students can come with concerns and discuss their experiences. We are having town hall meetings for parking, dining, and housing. There will be administers from each of these departments at their respective event.
For Panhellenic the Studyfest is coming up on December 6th!
HCGMU: What inspired you to become involved?
Ally: I was really involved in high school. I’m an overachiever by default. When I came to Mason I really wanted to challenge myself to do something different and to make a change. I shape my life around the Gandhi quote, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” My goal in life is to make a difference in everything I do. I’ve been able to make that difference through Student Government and Alpha Xi Delta. Joining AXiD was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made at Mason, next to becoming Student Body President.
HCGMU: How do you balance your schedule?
Ally: I have a planner that is color-coded. I have a color for every class and different activity I do. That’s really my main tool. I used to have to-do lists, but now I have apps on my phone that help me stay organized.
It’s defiantly not easy, this semester has been the hardest for me, but it’s made me find other resources to help stay organized. I have to plan every aspect of my day. In the morning on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday I go running at 6 a.m. I have to be regimented, that’s the only way. And all-nighters, but I’m more of a morning person. Sometimes I’ll wake up at 4 a.m. and just go hard on homework.
HCGMU: What are your plans after graduating?
Ally: I’m very open to change and the unexpected. I don’t really have any official plans. Next semester I’m going to start studying for the Foreign Service exam. That has about a 20% passing rate. I’ll probably take it twice. My ultimate goal is to be a Foreign Service officer. My next route would be to go to law school. I would love to study international law.
There’s also the possibility of myself taking a year off and living in Brazil. I will be graduating with a duel major and master’s degree, lots of leadership experience, and a security clearance pass. Going to a foreign country and finding a job wouldn’t be out of the question. I could work full time for the state department if all else fails.
It’s important to keep your options open. I always have a backup plan. I have a lot of things that I would like to do.
HCGMU: What do you do in your free time?
Ally: Sleep. I love to spend time in D.C. Working out or playing sports. I play intramural sports because it makes me make time for athletics. I don’t book anything on Wednesday nights because it’s my favorite part of the week.
HCGMU: What achievement are you most proud of?
Ally: Becoming Student Body President, hands down.