Community Spotlight: Ariana Reichler

Intern Ariana Reichler

Ariana Reichler joins the American Autism Association this fall as a Community Outreach Intern. In this Q&A, Reichler shares why she joined our team and what she hopes take away from her time with us.

Name: Ariana Reichler

School & Major: Yale University, Psychology

What are your plans after college?

I’m still figuring them out! I plan on pursuing a career in the field of psychology, but my path may be clinical, research-based or in the nonprofit sector, like my work for the AAA.

What would be your dream job?

I’d have to say a professional cake taster (they’re real!) But, if I’m being serious, my dream job would be one that allows me to keep learning about psychology and to work with children.

Why did you want to intern at the American Autism Association?

I wanted to intern at the American Autism Association because it allows me to combine two of my primary interests: psychology and working directly with people in my community. Since I grew up alongside a family member with autism, the organization’s work is particularly important to me. The AAA struck me as the perfect place for me to learn more, connect with people affected by autism and help individuals and families navigate life in this crazy time.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I love to read, hang out with friends and spend hours in art museums. On the weekends, I love to hike and camp. During quarantine, I’ve been getting more into cooking and yoga.

What’s been your favorite class in college and why?

My favorite class so far has been a psychology class called “Mental Lives of Babies and Animals.” The course explored the cognitive, social and emotional capacities of human infants and nonhuman animals, two groups lacking the language and culture that many adult humans possess. My professor led discussions about which aspects of our complex psychology are unique to mature humans, and we tackled questions regarding the nature of consciousness, morality and more topics, many of which don’t have obvious answers. These complicated and nuanced conversations fascinated me and made me excited to learn more about psychology.

What are you most looking forward to after graduation?

I’m excited to live in a new city. I’ve only ever lived in my hometown and my college town, so I want to explore new places before settling down.

How do you take your coffee?

At a coffee shop, I’ll always order a cappuccino. But if I’m making coffee for myself at home, I take it black because it’s the easiest!

Where is your dream vacation?

I want to spend a few months taking a big road trip throughout the United States and Canada, hiking and camping in as many national parks as I can. This has been my dream for a long time.