Central Penn College Hosts Nativity School Students for “Day in the Life of a Student-Athlete” Experience
Central Penn College’s Athletic Department recently welcomed 10 enthusiastic middle schoolers from the Nativity School of Harrisburg for a special event coinciding with Take Your Child to Work Day. Themed “A Day in the Life of a Student-Athlete,” this unique initiative offered the students a firsthand look at the balance, dedication, and spirit required to succeed both academically and athletically at the collegiate level, providing a glimpse into their own potential futures.
The day emphasized connection and mentorship. Central Penn College’s student-athletes served as inspiring role models, demonstrating to the younger students that pursuing higher education while chasing athletic dreams is achievable. These interactions aimed to create lasting impressions by allowing the Nativity students to connect with college students who share similar backgrounds and passions and are thriving in their academic and athletic pursuits.
The visit commenced with an engaging session involving a podcast recording, offering the Nativity students insight into how athletes utilize media platforms to share their stories and highlighting the efforts of the College’s Knightly News Media Club. Following this, the students participated in a simulated media day session, experiencing a taste of the spotlight and learning how student-athletes represent their teams and the College with pride.
Participants toured the Central Penn College campus, learning about various aspects of college life beyond sports, including academics, the growing esports program, and student activities. A key component of the day was a meaningful Q&A session with current Central Penn College student-athletes, who shared their personal journeys, discussed challenges they’ve overcome, and celebrated their triumphs, reinforcing the message that college is a reachable and rewarding goal.
The inspiring day concluded with high-energy fun during an intramural pickleball challenge, where Nativity students teamed up and competed alongside their college role models. The laughter, cheers, and camaraderie provided a perfect ending to an impactful visit.
This event underscores the principle that athletics extends beyond competition; it’s about community engagement and giving back. Central Penn College opened its doors not just to showcase its facilities, but to inspire young minds. The hope is that the experience encouraged the Nativity students to dream bigger, perhaps envisioning themselves as future Central Penn Knights.
