Abbee Breski’s college-to-career journey
From student leader to leading students,
she helps enrich student life in staff role
By Noah Lopez
Knightly News Reporter
Since arriving at Central Penn College in the fall of 2021, Abbee Breski has learned and experienced personal growth, and has slowly become more comfortable using her own voice.
Her time on campus was not defined by a straight line or a single goal. Instead, it was shaped by change, reflection and the willingness to keep going even when the path ahead felt unclear. That journey eventually led her to become one of the most influential and successful members of The Knightly News Media Club and, in 2025, an inductee into the club’s Hall of Fame.
Breski’s story didn’t begin at Central Penn. After graduating from high school, Breski started college at Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) as an early education major, thinking that teaching might be her future. Over time, she shifted to accounting, something she felt confident would offer her structure and clear answers.
“I thought accounting was the safe choice,” Breski said. “I wanted to do something that kind of had an answer to it.”
Still, something felt missing. She eventually stepped away from school, working at a preschool and giving herself the space to think about what she wanted.
Choosing Central Penn
What never faded during that time was her love of learning. Education mattered to her, even if she didn’t know what form it should take.
“I knew I wanted to come back to school,” she said. “I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do, but I’ve always loved learning. It’s always been a passion of mine.”
That curiosity, paired with a slight family connection to Central Penn, led her to apply. To give some context, her grandmother attended the school when it was Central Penn Business School, in downtown Harrisburg, and her aunt also studied there. All of these factors led to Breski applying to and being accepted at Central Penn. When Breski arrived on campus, she was an accounting major, believing it was the right and responsible choice.
Stepping outside her comfort zone
That changed after taking an introductory communications course. Through that class, she was introduced to the West Shore Connect program, an initiative of the West Shore School District in which students who have graduated and who have autism or other disabilities take classes at Central Penn, and suddenly, new doors opened. What started as a communications minor quickly became her major, but more important, it became a space where Breski could explore creativity, storytelling and connection.
“At first, communications was really intimidating,” Breski said. “It was such a wide-open field, and I wasn’t used to that. It pushed me into the creative side of myself that I didn’t always acknowledge.”
Breski, who graduated recently with a bachelor’s degree in corporate communications, described herself as at that time being shy, someone who stayed in her own bubble. Getting involved forced her to step outside that comfort zone. Mentoring students, working on projects and speaking up in group settings slowly changed how she saw herself.
“I really was shy and quiet,” she said. “West Shore Connect taught me how to be unapologetically myself and to do things regardless of what other people think.”
Leaving her mark on The Knightly News
That growth developed through her work with The Knightly News Media Club. Over time, Breski became one of the most recognizable members in club history. She served as president for nearly two years, appeared on the cover of The Knightly News quarterly publication five times and helped produce one of the most in-depth history features the club has published. She also played a major role in advancing sports coverage through photography and appeared on 14 episodes of The Knightly News Podcast.
What truly defined Breski’s time with The Knightly News was her love for stories and the people behind them.
“I miss writing stories,” Breski said. “I miss finding stories to write about. Learning about people, places and history really stuck with me.”
Carrying that passion forward
Today, that same passion guides her work as an academic success coach for athletes and coordinator of student engagement. Breski supports men and women athletes, helping them navigate academics, eligibility and campus life. More than anything, she said she values being present and approachable.
“Talking to people is my favorite part,” she said. “I love hearing about their experiences and what they’re interested in. It helps you grow as a person.”
Looking back and moving forward
Looking back, Breski sees her time at Central Penn as a series of lessons that built on one another. Each role taught her something different and helped shape who she is today.
“As a student, I learned to be myself and go for things outside my comfort zone,” Breski said. “As a leader on campus, I learned how important it is to encourage others. And now, as a staff member, I’ve learned how much it matters to really be present and connect with people.”
More than four years after first arriving on campus, Abbee Breski’s journey is one of growth, self-discovery and lasting impact. Even after graduation, her presence is felt across campus and among members of The Knightly News Club. Her story is a reminder that growth does not happen all at once, and that sometimes the most meaningful paths are the ones that take time to find.
Lopez is president of The Knightly News Media Club @ Central Penn College.
Comment or story idea? Contact [email protected].
Edited by media-club co-adviser and blog editor Professor Michael Lear-Olimpi.
