Andrew McAllister

PROFILE: Andrew McAllister lives life to the fullest, viewing each day as an opportunity to help others, be they in North Carolina, Africa, or South America. It just depends on where he happens to be at that moment. Poet John Donne wrote in the 1600s that “no man is an island entire of itself...any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind.” Andrew’s life is one of community service, and he hopes to serve in the field of international public health. After transferring from a small community college near his home by the Nantahala National Forest in western North Carolina, Andrew planned to become a physician. During his years at UNC-Chapel Hill , he refined that choice. At a lecture by Dartmouth University President and world-renowned AIDS expert Jim Yong Kim, a light switched on for Andrew. He was blown away by Dr. Kim’s ambitious initiatives to battle HIV/AIDS and other diseases. “I was impressed that someone so educated about the challenges and opposing forces would still dream big and make nearly impossible goals! I decided there that I wanted to be part of the next generation of leaders willing to admit that challenges abound in our world.”

INSPIRATION: In addition to  Dr. Kim, Andrew said Jessica Speed, one of his UNC instructors, had a profound influence upon him. “Jessica encourages a learning environment that stimulates critical thinking and creativity,” Andrew said. “I hope to one day have the passion and sense of excitement for learning that Jessica shows in class on a daily basis.”

ASPIRATION: It is Andrew’s hope and goal to work in the medical field in the Third World. “As I strive to invest in the lives of others, I have realized that the impact I have on individuals is my greatest accomplishment.”

MAKING A DIFFERENCE: By working at a hospital in Kenya, and as a volunteer serving the poor in Peru, Chile, Argentina, and Uruguay, the young North Carolinian has made his mark with Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Carolina. He is most proud of the influence he’s had over a younger brother (one of ten siblings) who is pursuing a degree in education.

ACCOLADES: Andrew is a dean’s list student at UNC, was named a Public Service Scholar, is working towards a Diversity Advocate Certificate from the university, and also received varsity letters as a member of the cheerleading squad. 

INTERESTING FACT: Andrew notes “in the summer of 2009, I was kidnapped in southern Peru.” He made it home safely, Andrew said, considering the event just another day at the office and needing no further explanation.