Ally Thompson

Age: 17

Parents: Rachel Thompson

Where are you from?

Rushford

Elementary: Rushford-Peterson Elementary

Favorite teacher of all time and why:

Jenny Corey-Gruenes. When it was my first year of post-secondary enrollment options, Jenny helped me so much. We made a personal relationship, and she really cares about me. She is such a genuine, kind person. Her class was always enjoyable. She helped me believe in myself. I really think she helped me be so successful in post-secondary. She always told the class about resources, how to advocate for yourself and how to be successful in college. She is an outstanding person.

Favorite book and author: “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky

Current/past activities, volunteer work and accomplishments:

Current activities that I am involved in are Phi Theta Kappa. I am the public relations officer of the chapter at Riverland Community College. I am also a part of the Liberal Arts Club on the Albert Lea campus. Some accomplishments of mine are being able to do postsecondary. In my first year of postsecondary, which was my junior year, I made the dean’s list both semesters and joined the honor society at Riverland. I volunteered at some events at Riverland and plan to do some more volunteering.

What do you want to do after graduation?

I plan on finishing my generals at Riverland. I want to get my personal training/coaching certificate after I complete my AA in the fall of 2020. Then I plan on transferring to a four-year college to get my BA in a field that I’m still undecided about.

What advice would you give to younger students in Albert Lea?

My advice to younger students would be never let anyone define you. Believe in yourself, and break family patterns. Always advocate for yourself, set goals, make lists and study hard. I wasn’t always a good student, and I really regret it. If I would’ve started off my academic career on a good note, I wouldn’t have had to work so hard to be where I am today.