As a graduating senior in the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) at Temple University, Chloe Smelser has made a lasting impact through her leadership, advocacy and commitment to supporting students and families. A human development and community engagement (HDCE) major and the undergraduate student speaker for this year’s graduation, Smelser represents the heart of CEHD’s mission in both her work and her story. 

Smelser began her college journey at Brandeis University, where she spent her first year exploring her interests and adjusting to college life. Over time, she realized she was looking for a different kind of environment. 

“I learned a lot about myself during that time,” she said. “It helped me understand what I needed in a school environment.” 

That realization led her back home to Philadelphia and to Temple. Even then, she carried uncertainty about her direction. 

“I didn’t really know what I wanted to major in or if I was on the right path,” Smelser shared. 

But that quickly changed. 

“I registered for classes right before the semester started and met with an academic advisor, and it just felt really welcoming right away,” she said. “It was the first time I felt like I could actually see myself here.” 

That sense of belonging became the starting point for everything that followed. 

Discovering the Right Path in CEHD 

Smelser found her place in the HDCE program after exploring Temple’s list of majors. What stood out to her was how closely it aligned with her interest in education, but from a broader, systems-level perspective. 

“I’ve always been interested in education, but not necessarily teaching,” she explained. “I wanted to work more behind the scenes, and HDCE felt like the perfect fit.” 

Compared to her previous studies, the program offered a more hands-on, community-focused approach that helped her connect what she was learning to real-world impact. 

A Class That Changed Everything 

One of the most defining moments in Smelser’s time at CEHD came through a course called The Impact of Trauma on the Individual and Society. 

“That class was the first time I really understood trauma in a deeper way,” she said. “It completely changed how I think about education and people.” 

Through that course, Smelser was introduced to Trauma-Informed Living, Education and Service (TILES), a student organization focused on trauma-informed practices. She later became president of the group, taking on a leadership role she never imagined for herself. 

“I never really saw myself as a leader before,” she said. “But that experience helped me grow into it.” 

Turning Personal Experience into Advocacy 

Smelser’s passion for education and advocacy is deeply rooted in her personal life. Growing up in Philadelphia, she saw firsthand the challenges her sister faced navigating the school system while trying to access appropriate support services for her disabilities. 

During the pandemic, her family gained a clearer understanding of those challenges. 

“We realized she wasn’t getting the support she needed and was falling behind more than we thought,” Smelser said. 

Her family went through a complex process to secure better resources. 

“That experience showed me how difficult and complicated the system can be for families,” she explained. “It really shaped what I want to do in the future.” 

What had always been a general interest in education became a clear purpose. 

“I want to help make those systems easier to navigate and more supportive for families,” she said. 

Learning Beyond the Classroom 

Throughout her time at Temple, Smelser has taken full advantage of opportunities to apply what she’s learned. She currently works as a research assistant in the Child Health and Behavior Lab, supporting social-emotional learning programming with elementary school students. supporting social-emotional learning programming with elementary school students. 

“It’s been such a meaningful experience,” she said. “It’s not just about completing an internship; it’s about actually learning and growing from it.” 

She also credits CEHD faculty with helping her see new possibilities for her future. 

“Professors here really encourage you,” Smelser said. “They helped me see myself in ways I hadn’t before, especially when it came to thinking about graduate school and research.” 

Looking Ahead: A Future in School Psychology 

After graduation, Smelser plans to continue working in education or research before eventually pursuing a graduate degree in school psychology. Her goal is to support both students and families while also working toward broader systemic change. 

“I want to build trust with families and students,” she said. “And I want to help make services more accessible, so people don’t have to go through the same challenges my family did.” 

Advocacy, she believes, is central to that work. 

“Advocacy is a choice,” Smelser said. “And if we’re in a position to choose it, we should.” 

Advice for Future CEHD Students 

Reflecting on her time at Temple, Smelser encourages students to take initiative and make connections. 

“Reach out to your professors, ask questions and take advantage of the opportunities around you,” she said. “People here really want to support you.” 

She also highlights the value of learning from peers. 

“Students in CEHD bring so many different experiences,” she said. “You can learn a lot just by being part of that community.” 

A Voice for Her Class 

As she prepares to take the stage as CEHD’s undergraduate student speaker at graduation, Smelser reflects on what the opportunity means to her. 

“There are so many amazing people in my class,” she said. “I feel really honored to represent them.” 

Her journey, shaped by growth, purpose and a deep commitment to advocacy, reflects the values of CEHD and the impact its students strive to make every day. As she looks ahead, Smelser carries with her not just what she’s learned, but a clear sense of responsibility to use her voice and her work to make education more equitable and accessible for all.