CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – This summer, sophomore catcher Quinn Salazar-Stewart served as an Officer Candidate at Officer Candidate School on Marine Corps Base Quantico. Going in, Quinn knew they would need to follow orders and perform in high-pressure situations, but they were also placed into stressful leadership roles. They were pushed to make quick decisions and adapt when plans didn't go as expected.

Q: What were your expectations heading into this experience?
A: Going in I knew that I was going to be forced to follow orders and execute in high pressure situations, but we were also thrown into stressful leadership positions as well. I was forced to make decisions quickly and adapt when things didn't go as planned. I did not expect the last parts of training to be so leadership based, but I am very grateful for the leadership opportunities I was given and all that I learned.

Q: How did this experience help you grow professionally and personally?
A: I think this experience really tested my discipline and determination, but it taught me to be confident. After finishing other problems seemed much smaller and I felt a lot of pride in what I had done. I also feel like I learned a lot of important leadership traits and styles that I plan to incorporate into other parts of my life as well.

Q: What was your favorite part of this experience?
A: My favorite part of the experience was all of the lessons I learned. As stressful as it was while I was there, looking back I really enjoyed consistently being pushed out of my comfort zone. I also loved all the people I met and the relationships I built while I was there.

Q: What is one piece of advice you would give?
A: One piece of advice I'd give to someone wanting to do something similar is that your mind is so powerful and determination will get you a long way. The stress or discomfort that you feel won't last forever and makes you stronger in the end.

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