Busy Westminster Senior Juggles Classes and the National Guard

Ally Tomson, ’20, is a busy Westminster College senior from Wentzville, MO, who recently joined the National Guard. Read below about how her education combined with experience in the National Guard is helping the biology major achieve her goal of helping others.

What made you decide to join the National Guard?

There were many factors that went into my decision to join the Guard. First and foremost, I wanted to help others. When Hurricane Dorian devastated the Bahamas and then hit the Carolinas, I wanted to do all I could to help. I know many first responders who immediately and without hesitation sacrificed their time and money to go over to offer assistance to those who lost their livelihood. I knew that was my call to action: to help those within our country in any way I could.

How is the National Guard helping you at Westminster?

On top of helping me fund my way, the National Guard has taught me to be a better ME. I’ve learned hard work, dedication and mental focus that I can apply to being the best student I can be no matter the difficulty of the class. I know I can achieve anything I set my mind to, and right now, I plan to finish my education to continue on to my next steps in life.

What do you value most about Westminster?

Something I highly value about Westminster is the family I have gained not only in friends but in the professors as well. I can walk down the hallway and have five or six professors say hi and try to start a conversation with me, asking how my day is going. Dr. McNett always starts his class off by asking how we are all fairing and if we have done anything exciting lately. They care about us as students as we study to better ourselves, and they do whatever they can to help us along the way. Professor Majerus was even so proud of me, she went out and wanted me to share my story. I couldn’t be more thankful for everyone I have met and the connections I have made with the professors.

What are your plans after graduation?

Immediately following graduation, I plan to go to basic training and Officer Training School, where I can specialize to become a medical officer. I hope to use this training to eventually go back to school to become a physician’s assistant.