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John Schooner returns to East Fairchild after practicing at the baseball field. Photo by Eli Karp
“Is that even a cherub?”
This was the reaction an instructor had when she saw a picture of me carrying my large baseball bag back to the dorm after a workout at the Northwestern field. Clearly, my experience was unusual.
When I got my acceptance letter, I was excited. But being away from home for five weeks would mean giving up the majority of my summer baseball schedule. I had to find a way to do both.
My dad and I found a baseball player who recently graduated from Northwestern to work with me over the summer. Having a plan made me think that fitting sports into my schedule would be easy.
It wasn’t. At first, it seemed impossible. With classes, assignments and field trips, I felt my plan would fail. But I was determined to make it work. I gave up some social time on the weekends, and some optional classes as well. I don’t regret it.
In the end, my determination paid off. Even though being a catcher in the cherubs program was unusual, I always felt supported. I found time in my schedule to go to the baseball field and work out. I was able to maintain my skills, and I’m confident I’ll be ready for the Fall season.