So I know this blog’s purpose is to chronicle my adventures while in Italy but I couldn’t really blog about my life in the past few days without reflecting on what’s going on back at Penn State. I’m sure many of you are aware that recently Penn State’s beloved coach of 46 years, Joe Paterno has passed. If there is any time that I wish I could be back with my fellow Penn Staters during this semester, it would be now. So I figured the closest I could get to pay tribute to this great icon, was to at least dedicate an entry of my blog to him.
It’s hard to explain what JoePa as an individual meant to me. Im sure it’s somewhat perplexing to some people who aren’t really involved in the Penn State community to understand that he was more than just a coach. When I came to this school as a freshman I really had no idea how big football was (I know some people can attest to the fact that at the time, I didn’t even know penn state was a football school, embarrassing, I know). But I grew to love the football scene and the camaraderie that came with it. A big part of it was the school’s mutual love for JoePa. He was a figure dedicated not only to the athletics but to the school’s community as a whole. He put his heart, soul, and life into an institution that im proud to call my own. The contributions he made over the years have profoundly impacted the school in way that cannot even be described.
It’s been hard the past few days to express how I feel about this, because I have been around few people who feel the same way. I know he’s reached a great age, but I know a lot of people can agree with me when I say I was not ready for this, especially with everything that happened this past semester.
But I am grateful to have experienced the few years that he was coach. His 400th win last year was an experience I wouldn’t trade for the world. Looking back, his words, actions, charisma, and friendliness will always make me smile. He is eternally Penn State.
So thanks, Joe Pa, for the wonderful memories. You have impacted so many lives, and your life will forever be an inspiration to me. Keep an eye on us. J
“Believe deep down in your heart that you’re destined to do great things”- Joe Paterno
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