Reviewed by: Callie Morrison
From family pumpkin patch to Auburn University—check out Anna Claire’s story now
Reading time: 5 minutes
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Meet Anna Claire—she grew up on a 200-year-old pumpkin patch near Birmingham, and she’s on her way to becoming a full-time Auburn student.
Read on to learn why she’s always loved Auburn Agriculture and the hack she found to save big time on tuition.
1. Her family owns a pumpkin patch
Anna Claire is from a little town outside of Birmingham named Harpersville. There, she grew up on a 200-year-old farm featuring a pumpkin patch and a Christmas tree farm.
Her family’s owned the land for 125 years, and they’ve had great success with the farm.
“For 26 years, my family has done a pumpkin patch in the fall from the last weekend of September through October. Then we sell Christmas trees from Black Friday through the holidays.
“We offer the whole family experience of cutting down your tree together, loading it on your car and bringing it home. Lots of people come from Birmingham, and it’s so fun to watch people embrace their traditions together.”
Anna Claire Klingenbeck, Agricultural Economics major, Auburn University
This experience growing up on the family farm is what inspired Anna Claire to study agriculture—and what ultimately led her to Auburn.
2. Attending Auburn has always been her dream
As long as Anna Claire can remember, she’s wanted to attend Auburn—but she wasn’t always sure what she wanted to study.
“My mom encouraged me to get a job that will be always in demand in the workforce. At first, I was just going to get a general business degree.
But then I heard about Auburn’s Agricultural Economics degree, and I thought, ‘There will always be a need in agriculture—everyone has to eat.'”
Anna Claire Klingenbeck, Agricultural Economics major, Auburn University
Anna Claire has also loved attending Auburn because it’s not too far from home and her family.
“I come from a big family, and I’m the oldest of five. I’m always on the phone with my mom or siblings, and I love being close to home.”
Anna Claire Klingenbeck, Agricultural Economics major, Auburn University
You can study agriculture at Auburn and save big time. Apply for Path to the Plains today.
3. She was excited to discover Path to the Plains
Even though Anna Claire knew she wanted to go to Auburn, she wasn’t sure if it would be an option for her financially. It wasn’t until a month before graduating high school that she learned about Path to the Plains.
“During my senior year, I decided that I would attend a community college instead of Auburn. It was April, and I hadn’t applied for any scholarships and knew I would have to pay for my own college.
At the time, my grandmother had just retired from working at Auburn, and she directed me to Path to the Plains. She said, ‘I don’t know much about this program, but I’m sending it over in case this helps.’ It was the best thing she could’ve done.”
Anna Claire Klingenbeck, Agricultural Economics major, Auburn University
Auburn’s Path to the Plains program allows students to take general courses at Lurleen B. Wallace or Southern Union State Community College for two years while taking at least one major-specific class at Auburn each semester. After the two years, they become full-time Auburn students.
By enrolling in Path to the Plains, students can:
- Get early exposure to Auburn’s campus
- Have an increased chance of graduating in four years
- Save serious money on tuition
- Study in-demand degree programs + prepare for future careers
- Take a course path mapped out in advance + make straightforward progress toward their degree
4. She’s saving a ton + crushing educational goals
As a sophomore, Anna Claire is rounding up her last semester at Southern Union and preparing to be a full-time student at Auburn.
“I’ve loved how Path to the Plains has prepared me for Auburn. I came from a really small high school. I graduated with around 60 people, so I wasn’t really ready to go to a huge college. Attending Southern Union has been a great stepping stone while still giving me the Auburn experience.”
Anna Claire Klingenbeck, Agricultural Economics major, Auburn University
Path to the Plains students also have the opportunity to get involved with Auburn’s campus life.
“Because I’m considered an Auburn student, I’ve been able to get involved with the agricultural mentor program. I get to meet with a mentor who’s helping me weigh out different career options, which has been super helpful.”
Anna Claire Klingenbeck, Agricultural Economics major, Auburn University
If the following describes you, you can apply for Path to the Plains:
- You are an Alabama resident
- You have a high level of motivation + perseverance
- You are interested in one of these degree paths.
After completing Path to the Plains, you’ll be guaranteed admission to Auburn if you:
- Had at least 36 credit hours remaining to finish your associate degree when you applied for Path to the Plains
- Completed the required courses
- Earned at least a 2.75 GPA
Begin your Auburn Agriculture journey and apply to Path to the Plains today.
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