Megan Kozak spends nearly seven hours a day in school during the year, learning subjects like American Studies and AP Chemistry.  She has tests, homework, and projects that take time away from her passions such as journalism and swimming.

Kozak, of Hawthorn Woods, Ill., applied to the cherubs journalism program to pursue her interest in journalism without interruption.

“I like focusing on subjects I enjoy,” Kozak said.  “Doing journalism all day is better so I don’t have to worry about projects or homework.”

Many of the cherubs at the National High School Institute find that learning and experiencing journalism all day is a nice change.

“I always wish in school I could only take four classes, especially journalism,” Grace Hawkins, of Piedmont, Calif., said.  “I love doing it instead of busy work like Algebra II.”

Days can start as early as 8 a.m. and end as late as 10:30 p.m.

“I like the long days,” Kozak said. “It makes it a little like a real journalism career.”

Instructors face long days too.

“It’s different for instructors,” Elia Powers said.  “Today, it’s all editing, and another day, it’s preparing for lectures or reading trend stories.”

Cherubs are willing to cope with the 14-hour days because the five-week intensive program is a shared experience and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Powers said.  If it were five months it would be different.  But, for so short a time, it’s worth it.