“You only get one life; why not fill it with everything you enjoy?” exclaims sophomore Alyson Senish. This thoughtful advice comes from a 19-year-old student who is a two-time self-published author, a mental health advocate, a campus club leader, a photographer and more.
“Finding motivation to do the things you love shouldn’t be hard, it’s all about dedication, consistency, and resilience in maintaining all of those things. My biggest goal in life is to be a mentor for younger generations, illustrating that there is nothing holding you back from achieving your biggest dreams other than your own mind,” Aly added.
Aly is a psychology major from St. Clair Shores. While she grew up in the city and loved it, she knew she could do more. She said, “I wanted to be in an environment where I could make a difference in the community, and as soon as I heard about Olivet, I knew it was the perfect place for me to call home. Olivet has given me the chance to partake in all my hobbies, writing books and spreading mental health awareness while getting a great education.”
Since becoming a Comet, Aly has embraced the UOlivet mindset of “be comfortable with being uncomfortable,” and it has helped her find what she enjoys doing in life. “I originally came here for sports, but I realized that my priorities lay elsewhere in my writing career and education. Stepping back from athletics in college to focus on my passions and future career has heavily impacted me as a person,” Aly said. “If I hadn’t moved away from sports, I wouldn’t have had the time to gain valuable experience as a mental health advocate, expressing the importance of mental health to the general community of Olivet.”
Aly discovered her passion for supporting mental health awareness in her junior year of high school when she took an AP psychology course. She’s continuing to pursue her passion by majoring in psychology and being active in the psychology club, where she creates content regarding mental health awareness. In addition, Aly shares foundational psychology insights on her social media platforms. She said, “My whole goal with posting my content is to help people become the best version of themselves and to do that, they need to understand themselves mentally, which isn’t always the easiest thing to do.”
Beyond her role as a mental health advocate, Aly has also made a name for herself as a writer. “Reading was always my favorite hobby as a kid. Before the age of 10, I had read all of Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, The Hunger Games, Lord of the Rings, and so much more, so I was heavily influenced by all these worlds, and I always wanted to create my own,” said Aly. So far, Aly has two published books, All For Love and A Malevolent World, both murder mysteries.
Aly explained, “I never knew I wanted my books to be published until my friends began telling me I was too good of a writer to waste my talent. I began posting my stories on Wattpad and would read excerpts in my high school English classes, and finally, I decided that self-publishing would be a great idea. My intention was never to be a famous author; I just wanted to put my name out there and show people they can do whatever they put their mind to.”
Feedback on the mental health content she posts and her books keeps Aly motivated. “Most of the people who have seen my content know me in a personal way, but the interactions with people who don’t are what stick with me the most,” expressed Aly.
When asked how she balances all her projects with her academic and personal life, she shared that she uses the 888 method. “There are 24 hours in a day: 8 hours of doing the things you have to do, 8 hours doing the things you want to do, and 8 hours letting your body rest and refuel.”
Looking ahead, Aly has no plans on slowing down. She’s on track to publish her third book in late 2025, is developing a YouTube channel and has set a goal to become a psychiatric assistant after graduation.
As she continues her journey at The University of Olivet, Aly exemplifies what it means to live with purpose, passion and a commitment to growth. “Never tie yourself down to just one interest or hobby; become a well-rounded individual, and it will leave you happier than ever,” said Aly.
Learn more about The University of Olivet by contacting the Office of Admission at Admissions@UOlivet.edu or 269-749-7635.