Daniel Harding
Born and raised in Downingtown, Pennsylvania I have always been an easy going, but very competitive, person. I am the youngest of four children, which I feel is the root of my competitiveness. I was always competing to keep up with my brothers and sister in sports, academics, and even dinner. I grew up playing sports all year round including soccer, basketball and lacrosse; all of which were coached by my dad. By the time I entered high school, lacrosse became my main sport and I sought to excel. By my senior season I was team captain, 1st team all league, and an academic All-American. The academic distinction I am most proud of as I worked very hard in the classroom as my parents had high standards that my other siblings had upheld. My search for the right college took me most of senior year until I finally chose Penn State over North Carolina State mainly because of the distance from home, as they both had very good chemical engineering programs. I was then the third Harding, after my sister, Sarah (’03), and my brother, Mike (‘10), to join the ranks of the Nittany Lion faithful.
I was a bit unsure if the choice I made was the best choice until my first football game. Never had I rooted for Penn State in the past. Normally, I rooted against them just to rile up my brother, but the sense of camaraderie and oneness in the over 100,000 students, alumni, and football aficionados alike instilled Penn State pride in me and I knew I chose the right school. My quest to become an chemical engineer wavered a bit once I saw how tough my classes were going to be but my dad told me to stick with it and since he was my main inspiration in choosing chemical engineering, I am glad I listened to his advice. I enjoy my classes and have always had an interest in the major after seeing the work my dad does for Wyeth.
In addition to my studies I am the president of the club lacrosse team. This year we hope to take the NCLL title. I am also the THON (Cancer Fundraising Dance Marathon) chair for our team. In addition, I am a member of AIChE and the Blue and White Society. During my summers I always spend a week on a mission trip and working as much as possible. I am working towards obtaining an internship this summer to put my class work toward real life application.
You will never see me not listening to music and I always am up to date with the latest sports knowledge as I watch or read ESPN as often as possible!