When Mike Schneider was calling sources for a story about parents who text message, he decided to try to reach author and philosopher Noam Chomsky.

Chomsky’s new secretary said he was not there and gave Schneider his cell phone number.

Schneider called.

“He didn’t understand how or why I had his cell phone number,” Schneider, of Westport, Conn., said. “It took me a while to convince him that I was a student at Northwestern. He didn’t believe me.”

Schneider was only one of the many cherub reporters at the National High School Institute - Journalism who encountered tough interviews and reluctant sources. Others had to overcome their own shyness and fear of rejection.

Instructor John Kupetz said one of the biggest challenges for young reporters is to overcome their unwillingness to talk to strangers.

When cherubs had to interview strangers on the streets of Evanston at the annual Fourth of July parade, Ellery Kauvar was rejected by at least 20 sources. A naturally shy person, Kauvar said it was very “discouraging and disheartening.” But in the end, he got six interviews -- enough to write the story.

“The hardest part is mustering up enough courage to go out, talk to the person, be friendly and nice and accepting rejection,” he said.

Schneider said it was his “it’s worth a shot” attitude that got him Chomsky’s cell phone number.

Persistence can also pay off. Lauren Baldwin, of New Canaan, Conn., interviewed Jamey Kirby, president and founder of Redux Beverages and the creator of the controversial energy drink “Cocaine.”

Baldwin emailed the company and got no response. She called the company and reached a receptionist who allowed her to leave a voicemail. However, no one called her back. Just when she was losing hope, Kirby responded.