I met Nick and JoAnna Swisher and they were better than I could have ever anticipated
Start writing a post
Entertainment

I Met Nick Swisher And JoAnna Garcia, They Were NOT The People I Thought They Were

In fact, they were so much better.

724
I Met Nick Swisher And JoAnna Garcia, They Were NOT The People I Thought They Were
Photo Credit // Lesley Janes, Denise Offenberger

On January 26th of this year, former professional baseball player Nick Swisher and his wife, actress JoAnna Garcia, made a surprise appearance at Parkersburg High's pep rally, at the same high school Nick graduated from 19 years prior and where I graduated in May. After a stellar college baseball career at Ohio State University and a World Series win with the Yankees in 2009, Nick was to be inducted that night into the Parkersburg High's Athletic Hall of Fame with two other honorees. No one besides the principal actually knew he and his wife would come to our pep rally that morning, but my journalism teacher had a hunch they would be there. I was already assigned to take pictures, but I kept an eye out for him. And, by God, Nick walked in alongside JoAnna.

I was a huge fan of JoAnna already - she played Cheyenne on the sitcom "Reba," one of my favorite shows growing up. I knew I had to talk to her. After the pep rally ended, I, along with practically everyone else in the gym, raced towards the Swishers. I met JoAnna - we conversed for a minute and got a picture. She was exceptionally nice and I thought that would be the last time I'd see her. I didn't even try to meet Nick because he was swarmed. Little did I know, I'd see them both two more times that afternoon.

I always ate lunch in the journalism room alongside my two friends because it was quiet and I usually had something to write or edit during lunch. My teacher told me when I got in there Nick was going to stop by and I was to interview him about his life and the induction for the upcoming issue of our school newspaper. That's when I became nervous. I've interviewed a lot of people for many different reasons, but no one near the caliber or prominence of Nick Swisher. I quickly thought of questions to ask him and he soon appeared without JoAnna. I started my series of questions, which Nick answered with much enthusiasm. We got to the last question and JoAnna walked in with her managing team. Nick got through all his questions and JoAnna stated she wanted to share some advice.

She told me, along with the class that was quietly working yet still intently listening to the Swishers, to "seek the truth and create a good, honest, and kind way of presenting information."

That has always stayed with me, even though that's invariably the goal of a journalist. My teacher asked if they could record the intro of our news broadcast and they agreed. After that, I truly thought it was goodbye. I shared my gratitude for letting me interview them, and JoAnna told me good luck in whatever I do. They left, but that wasn't it.

Since Nick was being inducted that night, we needed someone to get more pictures and record his induction speech. I obliged. I was ecstatic over meeting them and getting a chance to talk to them both again excited me even more. Plus, I never did get a picture with Nick, so I figured this was my chance. I arrived at the induction extremely early and the Swishers came sometime later. I waited to get a picture with Nick and when I got to him, he said, "hey, you're back! You had such good questions earlier." That made me feel so incredible.

As a journalist, you hope to hear from your interviewees – especially those as renowned as Nick – that you did a superb job. After getting my picture with him, I found JoAnna on the other side of the room, and a fellow yearbook staffer went to talk to her with me. JoAnna asked me about college and what I planned to do beyond. We talked for nearly 10 minutes and she wished me luck one more time before we really did part ways for good. I can honestly say this was my best day in terms of being a journalist.

Moral of the story: expect the unexpected from celebrities.

I really didn't know what would happen when I met the Swishers, but they were so much better than anything I could have anticipated. They were amazing in every way possible. So here's to you, Nick and JoAnna. Thank you for being kind even though it was blatant I was nervous each time I conversed with you. Thank you for giving me more reasons to become a journalist. Thank you for eliminating my expectation of celebrities being stuck up - you both were far from it.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

70766
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132381
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments