Meet Your Fellow Gustie: Ali Chorley

Ever wonder what it takes to be a successful college student while still keeping the “big picture” of your life in mind? Well, seeing as though this week’s featured Gustie has found such a balance, let’s take a look at the story of Senior Communication Studies Major Ali Chorley.

Residing from Medina, MN, Ali enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling and is seldom seen without having a white chocolate skim latte from Caribou Coffee in hand.

Ali plans on attending the University of St. Thomas for counseling psychology after next month’s graduation. But before she begins a new academic path, Ali will get married in August. When asked what it’s like balancing college life and planning for such a big event, Ali said, “Having somewhat of a focus on the ‘big picture’ outside of Gustavus has really helped me balance my life.”

Aside from looking ahead, Ali continues to involve herself in campus activities. She is currently a third-year Peer Assistant (PA) and a sexual assault advocate for Nicollet County. Deb Reichel, secretary for the Alcohol and Drug Education Office, said, “Ali has taken the [Peer Assistants] program in new directions this year. She has a lot of knowledge and experience so her absence will be felt next year.”

Academically-speaking, Ali has enjoyed taking a variety of classes at Gustavus. “Even though I’m not a geography major, I loved my geography class with Bob Douglas. Getting to take different topics has been awesome, [hence] the liberal arts education,” Ali said. In terms of activity involvement outside the classroom, Ali speaks fondly of her fellow Peer Assistants. “I love the PAs. [I love] not only what they do, but the relationships I’ve made with them,” Ali said.

According to friend and fellow Peer Assistant, Psychology Major Alicia Blomquist said, “Ali is a strong woman who I believe has made a difference on this college campus. She has devoted much of her time at Gustavus to helping and encouraging peers in many ways which are usually unrecognized. Even though Ali is a very busy gal, she puts her relationships at the top of her priorities and always makes time for her friends. She is a passionate, successful, and beautiful woman who I look up to in many ways.”

During her four years at Gustavus, Ali has been able to develop and express her passions. “One of my biggest passions is wellness, wholeness and educating. So by getting to do things with that all the time, I’ve found my passion in it and it has been amazing,” she said.

Fellow PA and Sophomore Philosophy Major Shane Jensen said, “She has an amazing passion for what she does and that will definitely be missed, because i think it might rub off on me.”

Since Ali is “detail-oriented,” she will look back on her experiences at Gustavus and remember the little things about her undergraduate career. “I’ll remember little things like Kyhl in the caf, going to LineUs shows and traveling with friends—especially traveling to the Bacchus national leadership conference the PAs go to every year.”

Looking forward in her years after graduate school, one of Ali’s biggest hopes is to “do something that I’m passionate about. Trying to integrate all my passions would be ideal. But I also want to be a mom. People often forget how big of a job that is [since] it doesn’t necessarily have monetary value.”

One of Ali’s friends, Junior Communication Studies Major Kristin Mummert, said Ali is a “unique person with a huge heart. She’s intentional about everything she does—every word and every action. She cares so much about this campus—not just about her relationships and friendships, but about the entire Gustavus community.”

Though Ali has inspired many people on campus during her four years as a Gustie, she has some inspirational people of her own. “Judy Douglas has been a major inspiration in my life,” Ali said. “She’s an example of a great person with a lot of passion who is continuing on her journey to give back.” Another inspiration in Ali’s life is her father. “My dad is always keeping me on track with keeping the ‘big picture’ in mind. I look up to him a lot.”

Ali follows the mantra “everything is a journey.” She said, “It’s not so much about a destination as it is about how you get to where you want to go. For me, balancing my life has been a journey. I don’t think I’ll ever find a perfect balance, but I’m going to continue working on it and continue the journey I’m on.”

As Ali prepares to embark on a new path, her advice to returning Gustavus students is “Keep the ‘big picture’ in mind and get involved. Explore different things because now’s the time when you really have the opportunity to [do so].”

As an active Gustavus student, role model and peer leader, there’s no doubt Ali will keep the “big picture” in mind as she embarks on a new journey in the upcoming months.

Photo by: Ben Brandt

Ally Pelton