CHS Peer Mentor Knows Importance of Getting Involved

By Ryan Clark
CHS Communication Director

For Ally Bell, getting involved at UK originally meant meeting new people. And while that worked, the junior from Glasgow, Ky., now sees being involved in a bit of a different light.

Now, she realizes that being a part of a lot of organizations has helped her grow as a person. It has helped her network and expand her career. It has helped her mental health.

Ally is sort of an expert on the topic. She’s a College of Health Sciences Peer Mentor, as well as a chair for her sorority, a former athlete and a participant in the Shoulder to Shoulder Global Brigade — among other things.

“Coming from a smaller town I initially wanted to be involved in so many different activities to simply meet people,” the 21-year-old said. “Although, it has grown into so much more.”

Here’s a list of Ally’s activities:

Chi Omega Sorority; performance chair position for the year 2022-2023.
College of Health Sciences Peer Mentor; 2023-present
Shoulder to Shoulder Global Brigade
Currently working at Commonwealth Smiles in Lexington
Also work at Riley Dental Group during the summers in Glasgow; 2021-present
Pre-dental society; 2022-present
STUNT athlete — 2023-2024

Now, the pre-dental Human Health Sciences major will graduate in December 2025 with an eye toward professional school. Recently, she took time out of her busy schedule to answer a few of our questions here at the CHS News Desk.

Here’s 5 questions with … uber-involved CHS student Ally Bell.

Why did you choose your major?

I chose the Human Health Science major because I wanted a well-rounded undergraduate education before taking on professional school. The College of Health Sciences offers so much more to help prepare me with the knowledge and skills to be successful post-grad.

Why did you choose UK?

Growing up I was always a UK fan, so when I graduated, I automatically knew that UK was the school for me. My love for this school continues to grow the longer I am here. The people and the place are constantly making the University feel more and more like home.

Why is it important to be involved in so many different activities?

Being involved in all of these different organizations has helped me grow as a person and prepared me to be the best version of myself as I take on the future of being a healthcare provider. I have also found friends and mentors to help me navigate my journey in preparing to go to dental school.

Favorite activity or something you’ve done so far?

It is easy to get lost in going through the motions in undergrad. Therefore, I feel as if it is important to find ways to remind yourself, “Why do I have a passion for this?” Participating in Shoulder to Shoulder Global and being immersed in the culture of Ecuador has provided me with even more of a reason to get my education and provide dental care to lower income locations within the state, the country, and hopefully globally.

What advice would you give to someone who is just coming into the College of Health Sciences?

My best advice would be to use your resources. The College of Health Sciences goes above and beyond to ensure that all of their students are provided with the tools to succeed within this major and achieve their goals.