Meet Aly Short: Our July Leading Woman

Name: Aly Short

Major: Nursing

Hometown: Kansas City

Career goals: Emergency Room Nurse + part time Interior Designer

What you're involved in at Mizzou: I am involved in RAMS Public Relations, Mizzou’s chapter of Student Nurses Association as well as the national chapter. I was also the freshman representative for nursing student council this past year as well as the community service committee for SNA. I was the Vice President of North and South Hall Government. I also was chosen for the Public Outreach committee for GAMMA (Greeks Advocating the Mature Management of Alcohol.) Lastly, I am a member of global brigades and took my first trip with them this year to Africa to provide medical care to communities in need.

Involvement outside of Mizzou: I am a Little Words Project Campus Ambassador. This company is important to me because it promotes self love and girl power through simple reminders on your wrist. A huge highlight of my freshman year was being a Russell Elementary classroom assistant with the preschoolers all year long. I went once a week, and each time it brought me so much happiness and doubled as a stress reliever from school world. I also am a Food Bank volunteer in Columbia. The environment is a lot of fun and I get to meet people from all over Columbia! Lastly, I am Children’s Mercy Hospital college volunteer this summer in Kansas City. I have a variety of tasks, but the kiddos are my favorite part.

What are you up to this summer?

This has been a crazy summer already!! When school got out, I headed to Ghana, Africa for a medical service trip for 2 weeks. I was there to help families and kiddos, but they helped me more in teaching me their language, loving me like family, & giving me the experience of a lifetime. Everyone was so kind and welcoming, and I wouldn’t trade any of the memories for the world. It was refreshing and humbling to see that part of the world who had so little and live the simplest lives but yet are so happy and full of life. I wanted to take every kid home with me because they were the best part of all the days I spent there. After I got back, I headed right to St. Louis to serve as a camp counselor at Annie’s Hope, which is a camp that helps kids through the grieving process in a healthy way. I then hopped on a plane and headed off to Europe which is where I’ve been since! I went to Madrid, Barcelona, Amalfi Coast, & Rome. Pictures do not do these places justice. They were unreal!!! I went with my sisters and dad who I don’t get to see a lot so it has been a really memorable trip! I also was on a strict pizza and gelato diet so I couldn’t ask for more. When I return home I will return to waitressing, volunteering at Children’s Mercy, and nannying!

What's your favorite thing that you're involved in and why?

RAMS!! (Rockin’ Against Multiple Sclerosis)

I applied last year as a freshman thinking there’s no way I would actually be chosen but I was, and it completely made my whole freshman year. RAMS is different then any organization I’ve ever been in. For one, all the money we raise goes directly to the clients at the MS Institute of Missouri. The coolest part about this is the steering committee gets to meet and interact with every client so we see a direct impact of all our hard work. The other committee members and tri directors made me feel so welcomed and helped me learn so much about myself, my leadership style, and the importance of RAMS to our community.

What are you passionate about?

I’m passionate about photography & design. Nursing has always been my dream career and still is, but outside of that I have a very creative side to myself. In a perfect world I would actually be a part time nurse and a part time interior designer! Because my college experience will be surrounded by all things Nursing, I try to find ways to express that other side of me in different ways. Thankfully, I have found friends through Theta and the rest of the Greek community that share my same love for design, photography, and always being extra :)

What's your favorite thing about Theta/what does Theta mean to you?

My favorite thing about Theta is that one of my older sisters was a Theta at Depauw, our Alpha chapter in Indiana! This is something really special that we share and just one more thing that strengthens our bond.

Theta means stepping out of your comfort zone and being supported by so many when you do. My whole life I’ve had few friends who go out of their way to check on me, ask about my day, or simply say “you got this.” I have found so much love & the most genuine friends through Theta. I tried a variety of different things my freshman year that I would have said a big nope to in high school, but along the way I always had someone pushing me to better myself. This was especially important my freshman year because it’s when you learn unfortunately your mom can’t fix all your problems! Year one with Theta gave me lifelong friendships new experiences, and leadership opportunities & I couldn’t ask for more than that.

What do you do in your free time?

In my free time, I enjoy doing calligraphy, eating at new places, hot yoga, and taking pictures! I also am always down for green juices, fro yo, & coffee dates with my friends.