For the love of the game

Blog by: Samantha Johnson

Friends ask why I spent the spring break of my junior year of college working every day for a class credit. My answer is simple:

“For the experience”

The access and opportunities I was given were truly incredible. How many 21-year-olds can say they interviewed multiple Major League Baseball players last week? Every morning of the trip I woke up not really knowing what to expect, but every night of the trip I went to bed thankful for the crazy and wild turns of the day.

“For the relationships”

The professional connections I made with this small group of journalists are unbeatable. Although we seemed like a “class” of journalists-in-the-making, we are actually much more than that. We are talented, skilled photographers, designers, videographers and writers. We hold great talent in our young years, and we are eager to show the world what we are made of. This trip was just a taste of our future as journalists.

“For the networking”

Each byline, each business card and each standup is another chance for us to network our talents with potential employers. At the end of the day, we all have one goal in mind: to be hired SOMEWHERE doing SOMETHING after graduation. If that happens to be somewhere in Florida, let’s do it! We shared our content, shared it again in hopes of being recognized and then we shared it again.

“For the fun”

Although we were hangry, sassy and exhausted many times during this trip, I can speak on behalf of our team by saying it was such a fun experience. We laughed more than we slept, we smiled more than we ate and we had a blast, because ultimately, we were a group of college kids in Florida for spring break living out our dream. What more could I ask for?

“For the love of the game”

Going into this trip, I wasn’t the biggest baseball fan. Now – three major league parks later – I have a greater appreciation for America’s favorite pastime. I appreciate the Cracker Jack on the ground and the smell of beer in the air. I appreciate the ultimate fan yelling at the top of his lungs. I appreciate the staff spending hours on end to please MLB supporters. I appreciate the child in the oversized-jersey idolizing his favorite player. I appreciate that player’s commitment to the sport. I appreciate the love of the game.

Thank you, Ball State Spring Training, for this irreplaceable experience. Signing off…