Student Ambassador Spotlight: Meet Ally!

Meet Ally! They are an environmental science major from Shoreline, WA. They were drawn to WWU for thelocation and research labs on campus. They’re looking to end up in Seattle and find a job related to environmental science, but for now they spend their time taking walks around Bellingham, specifically beautiful Boulevard Park.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/allyson-h-carter/

Why did you choose Western?

I chose Western for its location and beautiful natural environment. As a STEM major I was also interested in the various research labs on campus and opportunities to extend my education beyond the classroom.

What do you like about Western?

Western has offered me so much, but most importantly, it has been a space for me to learn and grow into being ayoung adult. I’ve learned not only from my classes but from my friends, my job, and my mentors.

How is your student ambassador experience?

As a student ambassador I work mostly at the various events hosted by the University Advancement office. I lead a busy life, so I’ve only worked one or two events so far in my time with the ambassadors, but they’ve been among the most valuable experiences I’ve had at Western. Getting to meet the people who make Western what it is and thanking them for all that they do is one of my favorite parts of the job. I’ve also greatly enjoyed working with the other student ambassadors and strengthening my friendships with them.

What is your favorite class?

My current favorite class that I’ve taken at Western so far has to be Biology 204 with Dan van Hees. I took his class last quarter (fall 2024) and I highly recommend anyone who has to or wants to take Bio 204 to take it with him. I’ve just applied to the Environmental Science major and am waiting to hear back, but I’m confident in my application and excited to start taking ESCI classes!

How has scholarship support made a difference for you?

I received the admissions achievement award when I first applied to Western, which is part of what convinced me to commit to WWU. Other than that, I am not a direct beneficiary of philanthropy here at Western, but the donations that we receive still impact me every day, from the funding of research that I hope to become involved in, to the improvement of on-campus facilities. I also have many friends who are recipients of scholarships funded by donors, and without those some of them wouldn’t be here at Western. All of us aregrateful to everyone who donates their time and/or money to the WWU community and allows us to earn the high-quality education we came here for.

What would you like to say to a someone who has made a gift to support Western students and programs?

Thank you, thank you, thank you! Western truly wouldn’t be the amazing institution it is without gifts from people like you. I know I speak for the student body when I say we are grateful for every gift the university receives from donors, and it has a direct and positive impact on our education.

What do you do when you aren’t in class?

When I’m not in class I love to go on walks around Bellingham, particularly down to Boulevard Park. I also love doing monthly movie nights with my friends that I met in the dorms my freshman year.

Where is your happy place either on campus or in Bellingham?

On campus, my happy place is definitely the Environmental Studies building. I’ve pored over the rocks and fossils inthat building in between classes many times, and it was the first building I truly fell in love with on campus.

What are your professional dreams and goals? Where could you see yourself in five years?

Post-graduation I hope to move to Seattle to live closer to my parents and find a job somewhere in the area of environmental consulting, land management, or environmental education. I also see myself with a minimum of two cats.