July 18, 2008
AUBURN, Ala. - Auburn defensive back Jerraud Powers and third baseman Krista Klein were the special guest speakers at the Auburn University Truman Pierce Institute Summer Program on Thursday. The Truman Pierce Institute is a research and outreach unit in Auburn's College of Education. Twenty-five high school students from rural Alabama towns were on campus for the week-long summer program. This is the second TPI institute program in which AU student-athletes have participated. Auburn Gymnast A. J. Mills spoke to the students attending the first camp in June.
Jerraud and Krista both spoke on the "Value of Education as a foundation for life -even if you are a good athlete too". Jerraud told the students that speaking to groups and participating in community service is a privilege for him and other student-athletes. He told the students about committing to play at the University of Alabama as a high school senior and later changing his mind, after visiting Auburn.
He also advised students to be prepared for life after sports since very few student-athletes have the opportunity to play professional sports. He went on to tell the students what a typical day is like for a college football player and that in addition to going to class and practicing, they have workouts, meetings, and study hall.
Krista told the students that everything they do as student-athletes represents Auburn and Auburn Athletics, so those that dream of playing sports in college should take that responsibility seriously. She said that students should always place their academics first and that student-athletes have to meet weekly with their academic advisor, just as they do with their coaches.
In addition, Krista advised the students to manage their time effectively and to plan times to study. She also told the students to make sure that they get an education and that playing sports in college can be a way for them to get their education paid for.
After taking questions from the students, signing autographs and taking pictures, Jerraud and Krista gave each student an Auburn Pride Sportsmanship bracelet to encourage them to always practice good sportsmanship as they return to their communities.