John Allison '25 created a highly personalized academic experience and gained the confidence to achieve success at F&M and beyond. Blending government, environmental studies, and hands-on Emergency Medical Services training, the senior plans to leverage his custom degree to work with governmental organizations to respond to natural and manmade disasters.

Photo Credit: Deb Grove

John Allison '25

Major: Government 

Minor: Environmental studies

Certificate: Legal studies

Home: Santa Fe, N.M.

Activities at F&M: I’ve participated in Franklin & Marshall Emergency Medical Services and John Marshall Pre-Law Honors Society, and I’ve volunteered as a Hazmat technician at Hazmat 2 Environmental Fire Rescue and as an EMT at Lancaster EMS.

My first two summers at F&M, I worked as a wildland firefighter. I spent my junior summer interning at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Washington, D.C.

Why did you choose to attend F&M?

I chose to attend F&M due to its location and strong government department. I was very interested in government and I wanted to get an internship in D.C., Harrisburg, New York or Philadelphia. I liked F&M’s small size and relaxed environment.

What is something that you did for fun at F&M?

I enjoy spending time with my friends and going on hikes. I am an avid reader and love to read on campus.

What did you enjoy most about your time at the College?

The most enjoyable time I have had has been my EMS work in Lancaster and mentoring the EMS club on campus. I also loved my constitutional law classes, which helped me develop my reasoning and perspectives. Studying abroad in Denmark was my favorite semester; I studied international politics and was able to travel to 13 different countries.

What are your plans for after graduation?

I plan to work at Lancaster EMS as an Advanced EMT while I pursue my paramedic certification. Then I plan to travel the world working in disaster response. I want to use my F&M degree to work with governmental organizations to respond to natural and manmade disasters.

What brief advice would you give to incoming students in F&M’s Class of 2029?

My advice to incoming students is to explore opportunities on and off campus. I found some of the most fulfilling experiences locally that I would not have found here on campus. Take advantage of the internships and opportunities provided by the College. Working with the U.S. Attorney’s Office helped shape my future career and gave me a much better understanding of our justice system. I also highly recommend doing a study-abroad program. My time in Denmark with DIS (a nonprofit study-abroad program, Danish International Student committee) was one of my most formative experiences.

“I plan to travel the world working in disaster response. I want to use my F&M degree to work with governmental organizations to respond to natural and manmade disasters.”

— John Allison '25

John Allison '25 gained hands-on experience with F&M Emergency Medical Services and as an intern with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. "I plan to travel the world working in disaster response," he said. "I want to use my F&M degree to work with governmental organizations to respond to natural and manmade disasters."

John Allison '25 said studying abroad in Denmark was one of his most formative experiences. "I studied international politics and was able to travel to 13 different countries," he said.

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