Senior Perspective: Ally Hall

[William Jewell College]

I came to William Jewell College three and a half years ago with one distinct vision in mind: to save the world. College was an image in my mind like a movie, which probably starred the likes of Anne Hathaway or Zooey Deschanel, in which the leading lady moves to the city and, with a quick makeover montage ending with sweeping bangs and red lipstick, becomes a successful urban diva, conquering both the business and social life with ease. As I am from a small town in southern Illinois, you can probably imagine the adrenaline that coursed through my veins at the thought of donning my heels and making a name for myself in the nonprofit sector. And thus, I arrived at William Jewell College. The end goal was very clear. I was going to work for an organization called Invisible Children, which advocates for child soldiers in northern Uganda. To say I loved the organization is an understatement. I was OBSESSED.

As of today, that passion has become a reality. It’s real. I have, over the past three and a half years, been preparing myself in every way to pursue my dream job and my big-city aspirations. Well, I’m here. I’m graduating. And I’m hired.

I feel prepared to leave the Hill. However, there are a few things that I am going to miss. I was hit with an overwhelming wall of nostalgia while sitting in the Perch the other day. My first mistake was in titling my to-do list “Everything I Have Left for the Rest of My College Career.” I was torn between immense joy at the short list of maybe six assignments, and a desperate feeling of digging in my heels and putting off adulthood for just a few more months. You see, as prepared as I am for the future, sometimes I just WANT to be in college. Sure, William Jewell hasn’t been like the expectations set by hours of watching Greek, but it has still been my home for three and a half years.

So, I guess this is goodbye, William Jewell. I am going to miss the Perch and that burst of adrenaline which comes with the hopeful anticipation of familiar faces and potential crush-spotting from the tables along the railing. I will miss that feeling of my self-esteem being sent further and further into outright narcissism with every “Hey, Ally!” that is called from the busy crowd below. Especially in the last week, I have realized that I will miss William Jewell traditions. The Lighting of the Quad reminded me that no matter how many years go by, I will never get tired of it snowing inside the Chapel, and even though I know it is coming, the moment the lights are illuminated will always cause me to giggle with excitement.

But I know, more than anything else, I am going to miss the people. I have created, or have been a part of the creation of, a community which has grown up together. We are slowly becoming adults, and to some of us, that is terrifying. I will miss my friends and my roommates. I’ll miss all of my former fellow RAs and residents. I’ll miss watching the Anderson girls turn one year older. I’ll miss Kayle Buscher, who is reading over my shoulder as I type this up in the admission office (and the rest of the admission staff, too). So, out into the world I go. I may not be the city-savvy, suit-wearing, taller-than-five-feet leading lady that I imagined, but I am leaving with the same goal in mind.

So, to end this cheesy goodbye, see you later, William Jewell.

Ally Hall, William Jewell College Class of 2012

Ally just graduated from William Jewell on Tuesday and will soon start her dream gig with Invisible Children.

[Katie Power]

sniff sniff.....oh Ally how we will miss you too!! Avery will also miss spending time with you!! You will be an amazing advocate and future Jewell Achiever spotligted on Achievement Day in years to come!! 

[Clint Chapman]

I'm really proud of you Ally! Congratulations (again) on the gig and, best of luck in your new pursuits. See you later too!