Font Size

content body

CHS Fall 24 Grad Marshal Allison Leffler standingin a white dress in from of the Auburn University sign on Samford Lawn

Allow Yourself to be Rerouted

 

The path to discovering who you are and the career you desire to pursue often takes a few turns and twists and at times a complete U-turn, and that is okay, in fact, it can be life changing.

Allison Leffler, who will lead the College of Human Sciences graduating class during commencement ceremonies as the Fall Graduation Marshal, is a confident young woman headed toward a career as a Child Life Specialist, but a short three and a half years ago, Leffler was not sure where college life might lead her. “I started out in a different major, one that had me considering transferring and unsure, and then I switched to Exploratory and took a class in Human Development and Family Science,” said Leffler. “That’s when I discovered a path that I could really be excited about.”

 

A New Passion and a New Route

 A Marriage and Family course in the College of Human Sciences sparked Leffler’s interest in theories regarding family interaction and relationships and this newfound curiosity paired with a past of summer camps mentoring children, made the Child Life Specialist concentration in Human Development and Family Science (HDFS), a perfect fit.

“I am eager to meet children and families right where they are as they navigate a hospital setting and any type of health crisis,” expressed Leffler. “My studies in Human Sciences have equipped me to help children and their parents know how to communicate emotions while knowing these emotions are valid and how to develop a coping plan.”

Leffler credits her studies along with her involvement in numerous clubs and study abroad with allowing her to graduate as a well-rounded person prepared to find success in her chosen career field. During her three and half years at Auburn University, Leffler served as the Service Project Coordinator for the HDFS Professionals Club; took part in the Backpacking Europe Study Abroad with the College of Human Sciences and served as an Ambassador and Peer Instructor for the college, among other activities.

“The people and the opportunities in the College of Human Sciences drew me in. The advisors and professors, and all the staff are so kind and accessible."

Allison Leffler

 “The people and the opportunities in the College of Human Sciences drew me in,” said Leffler. “The advisors and professors, and all the staff are so kind and accessible. Also, the many opportunities such as study abroad or taking in The Fashion Event or the immersive activities at the Rane Culinary Science Center, while they may have represented other majors in Human Sciences, we all got a chance to broaden our horizons and try something new.”

 

Rapid fire questions for Allison

Favorite spot on campus: Studying on the Rooftop Terrace at the Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center. “It is so beautiful up there.”

Favorite eatery in Auburn: Savanh Thai Kitchen - “I love international food!”

Favorite memory: Sitting in class and seeing the call indicating I got my practicum for Child Life. “I was so nervous and was not sure I would get it!”

 

Advice for Incoming Freshmen

Thinking back to her first semester on the Plains, Leffler recalled that the first year can be hard because you think you must have it all figured out. “Take it one day at a time and don’t put so much pressure on yourself,” advises Leffler. “Everyone will tell you to get involved and it is good to try different things, but then narrow it down to what you truly have the time and interest to invest in. Oh, and don’t be afraid to switch it up — allow yourself to be rerouted, in the end, you will be glad you did.”

For more information on the College of Human Sciences.

Visit Our Website