Limitless opportunities in and out of the classroom
When Breann Darkins came to Penn State, she knew she wanted a well-rounded and engaging college experience. Academics were important but finding a community and a purpose outside of the classroom was an equal priority for Darkins.
The 2021 Kinesiology graduate initially visited the University while being recruited for the Penn State Track & Field team. Darkins was born and raised in Michigan and Penn State wasn’t on her radar, but after her first visit, “it was a no brainer. I like to start new journeys and Penn State could do that for me.”
While Darkins’ academic interests weren’t as quickly defined from the start—she ended up pursuing the Movement Science option of the Kinesiology major after exploring some other biomedical paths—Darkins found family on the Track & Field team, along with Penn State’s first hip-hop dance team, Urban Dance Troupe.
“These are my family,” said Darkins, who has been dancing since she was a toddler. “Track & Field and Urban Dance Troupe really helped me find my place while at Penn State. It made the University shrink a little bit and provided connections and support from friends to help me navigate my college experience.”
Alongside track and field and dance, Darkins became a Health and Human Development Student Ambassador and was an active member of CHAARG (Changing Health, Attitudes, + Actions to Recreate Girls) of Penn State University and the Penn State Student Black Caucus. She also sought out four internship opportunities and worked multiple jobs, including as a caregiver at Houck’s Homecare and a teacher at Centre Dance Studio, to pay for her living expenses.
Author
Mary
Campbell
In her own words: Finding family at Penn State
Transcript
When I came to Penn State, I really wanted to be purposeful with where I chose to spend my time, and that came down to Track & Field and Urban Dance Troupe, two true passions. They really helped me find my place and made the University shrink a little bit. They also provided connections and support from friends to help me navigate my college experience.
In the end, when I came to Penn State, I was one person, but I’m definitely leaving as a new person. I feel so well-rounded, not only academically, but as a human. I am confident in myself and my abilities, and I am grateful for all I’ve been exposed to and all the experiences I’ve had.
“I’ve learned the importance of time management and networking. You meet certain people and they bring you along. I’ve gained so much from networking in this community,” said Darkins, who found one of her internship experiences at Fitness Inspired through the mother of a student at Centre Dance Studio. “All these opportunities were a lot, and were sometimes difficult to manage, but they allowed me to tailor my lifestyle and my experience to what was best for me.”
In the moments when it became overwhelming, Darkins turned to Tina Thomas, who was at the time the College of Health and Human Development director of diversity and inclusion initiatives, and Darkins’ multicultural advisor.
“Tina was always, always there for me and was always willing to help me explore my options, both at Penn State and in the community. I still keep in touch with her today. She was a part of my Penn State family and I owe her so much.”
Darkins, who graduated this spring, plans to pursue additional education to secure a career in physical therapy. She plans to continue to work and seek out opportunities that support her goals and her community.
“When I came to Penn State, I was one person, but I’m definitely leaving as a new person. I feel so well-rounded, not only academically, but as a human. I am confident in myself and my abilities, and I am grateful for all I’ve been exposed to and all the experiences I’ve had.”
Photo Credits
All photos on page – Credit Breann Darkins
Author
Mary Campbell
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