Remembrances

Thank you for arranging the memorial today. Upon hearing the news that Allyson had left all of us, I was stunned. She was my first instructor, Fall 19, that I encountered after returning from a year long MLOA. Enrolling in her catalog course was daunting and exciting since I wasn't certain how well I would return to my groove within the MLIS program and I didn't want to disappoint. She offered kindness, engagement, encouragement, reassurance and support towards my challenges, excitement and / or interests. Her approach made me believe in me again. The course - One of the best I've had so far. Just two weeks prior we had exchanged emails and I was aware again how much she cared for all of us. Though she was prepping for a 1 unit course in the Spring - her main concern were those around her - her mom, roommate and students, breaking out of the safe cocoon to shop without compromising anyone at home. I feel so lucky to have experienced her in my life because she not only introduced me to cataloging beyond the basics and nurtured appreciation but really cared to continue to build and grow a relationship as professionals. So sad for the abrupt ending to what I was looking forward to but so grateful to have experienced the brief influence of her lifetime of knowledge, experience and joy.