For the past three and a half years, Cabrini has exclusively partnered with the St. Francis of Assisi School in Norristown, Pa. to bring “Teen Motivators” to seventh and eigth grade students of the St. Francis School.
The program is designed for Cabrini students to visit these seventh and eighth grade students for three weeks in a row for mentoring sessions, team-building games and conversations about life.
Every fourth week, the St. Francis students come to Cabrini for tours, games, lunch and other opportunities.
The program started off as a partnership between Cabrini and Norristown High School, which was not very well received. Through this, the relationship between Cabrini and St. Francis was formed.
The program is now sponsored by the Wolfington Center and Cabrini is the only school in the area that participates.
Students who are involved with the program will have to make sure they have no Friday afternoon classes, as they are scheduled to visit the St. Francis Assisi School students from 11:45 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.
Although only three students participated last year, there are no special requirements.
Anyone on campus is more than capable of participating.
Megan Conte, senior communication major said that students who have participated have all made lasting impressions.
“This is a great opportunity for people to make a difference in these kids’ lives,” Conte said. “They really look up to you.”
Conte is currently the director of the program and says that when she is no longer able to be a part of it, it will feel strange to her.
“I’ve been doing this for a while so when I graduate it will be weird to not be getting in the van and going to Norristown,” Conte said.
Besides the main goal of making a difference with students in the classroom, these Cabrini motivators are just as important outside the classroom.
“We have sometimes seen these kids in public like at the mall,” Conte said. “It’s nice to know that you have someone younger than you that really looks up to you even outside of the classroom. It makes you feel good.”
This does not only benefit the students of the Assisi school, but it can also benefit the Cabrini students who take part. Conte says that students are eligible for a $1,000 scholarship towards tuition and will also be paid about $400 for the semester.
It also looks great on any resume.
An introductory meeting was held in the Wolfington Center on Thursday, Jan. 20, to describe the program to students and encourage them to sign up.
They are also looking for someone to become certified to drive the Cabrini College vans on campus. Conte said to do this, students need to go to public safety and watch a video. They will then be given a test that is somewhat similar to that of a driver’s license exam.
Even if you missed the meeting and are still interested, you can contact Conte via e-mail, mec734@gmail.com
