NARP students are often overlooked simply because they do not play a sport. And because football is everything. NARPS are known to have “free schedules” and “too much time on their hands” to contribute anything to campus life. However, we interviewed Baker University NARPS to debunk the stereotypes. Get to know the NARP community at Baker University, and how their involvement in both on and off campus activities motivates their college experience.
Senior Connor Olson was eager to have the floor. He is involved in many campus activities such as VP of marketing for the Executive board for Student Activities Council, a member of Care and Compassion club, and a lab assistant in the computer science department. Connor has had more time to pursue other interests.
“I’m not restricted to a busy schedule that many sports have, which allows me to put a lot more focus into my studies and activity involvement. I also have the ability to pursue my own interests, which I think is very important because it helps me explore different things while growing more as a person,” Olson said.
Olson believes students should not feel offended by their NARP status. It doesn’t mean you can’t get busy.
“Don’t be discouraged if someone identifies you as a NARP, while often said as a joke, do not let it diminish how much time you spend on school or other activities,” Olson said.
Junior Annette Ozier is glad she is not committed to a Baker University sport.
“Definitely don’t have to complain about being sore, having 5 a.m. practices, being forced to exercise,” Ozier said. “Like, obviously, I’m not lazy guys, but I choose to do it rather than being forced to”.
She hears many stereotypes about NARPs that are just not true and unfair to her competitive side.
“Probably that we have no life, we’re lazy and not athletic or competitive,” she said. “I may not do athletics, but I am very competitive”.
Despite the stereotypes associated with the name, many NARP students actually do workout and stay involved on campus.
“A lot of NARPS actually do workout in their free time. So, we participate in that, and we also like to serve. Sophomore Madeline Christopher said. “Pretty much you’ll see at least one of us in every single group on campus”.
Junior Ariel Dewey shared she enjoys hiking around Kansas in her free time.
“I work out at the gym or I like to go on hikes,” Dewey said. “I’ve found some places in Edgerton that are really pretty and in Lawrence.”
While Ariel is not an athlete, she has kept her college experience exciting and eventful.
“…Art club or hanging out and having a girl’s night in my dorm, we did recently have a charcuterie board night that was super fun,” she said. “We’ve had like um a bracelet making night and whatnot, so I love having time for that”
And sometimes she just wants to have that extra hour to sleep in the morning.
“I just don’t like to wake up super early, I know wrestlers have to wake up at like 6 or 5 sometimes,” Dewey said.
Maybe the NARP lifestyle is not so bad after all. There is always something to get involved with at Baker University.
“You are still able to find such like a vast community of different people and it’s constantly growing,” Christopher said. “There’s always something to do and get involved with if you are not affiliated with a specific sport”.
If there is one piece of advice for NARPS coming to campus it is best said by Junior Gwen Starrett.
“Really make an effort to find a place for yourself, because you do not have that built in team atmosphere, definitely try to make an effort to attend a party, or there’s grocery bingo, just make an effort to get involved,” Starrett said.
