At this particular moment I find myself in quite the
dilemma.
It’s not exactly easy for me to pinpoint a definite career
option for me in years to come. But to simplify things, there are a few basics
that are important. I’m studying communications, and since I was a child I’ve
had the upmost passion for being a sports fan. Competition is something I’ve
always found very compelling, so coupled with an appreciation for loyalty and
tradition, I was and remain a die-hard fanatic in the realm of sports.
Anyone that knows a die-hard knows that there can’t be such
a thing as front running. Abandoning your favorite team for the next up and
coming squad is a sinful, shameful act parallel to acts like murder, arson and
grand theft auto. Every true fan knows that the commitment will pay off. When
the planets align and the game, quarter, or play makes the world sit still, the
unquestioned faith will make it all worth it. The moment of seeing your favorite
team win it all, the confetti reigning down on your heroes, is enough of a
moment for fans to feel like they’ve accomplished something as well. This
feeling is particularly special for the fan that endures the pain and suffering
of defeat knowing it’s well worth it for this moment.
So if you happen to know me, you probably know that I bleed
Giants blue. The energy of being a Giants fan has coursed through my veins
since I was seven years old. Three generations of my family attended a faithful
game on October 24th, 1999 and I have never looked back. My grandfather
and father spoiled the hell out of me as we watched the Giants thrash the
Saints in a 31-3 victory. I was even fortunate enough to meet Jessie Armstead,
(even though I didn’t realize it), my favorite Giant as a kid. That day allowed
me to understand why football and the Giants were so important to people in my
family. To this day I am thankful for the bonding experiences I’ve had with my
family as a Giants fan, and I owe it all to my grandfather rest his soul.
Perhaps now the dilemmas a bit more clear. As a Mass Communications
major striving for a career in sports media, most professionals advise fan hood
to be put aside when it comes to a career. In fact, I was honored enough to
meet ESPN analyst Sal Paolantonio at my school and have a nice conversation with
him. I explained to Sal that I felt fan hood has always driven me in my passion
for sports, and Sal responded promptly by saying, “Then go sit with the fans.” I
explained my point a little differently and was able to sit more comfortably by
the end of the meeting, but those words have been echoing in my head throughout
this entire summer.
Sal also gave everyone great career advice about
preparation, performance, and personality. He made one of his many points clear
that you have to sell yourself, and be innovative enough to create a career for
yourself. Entering senior year, I’m still developing that career idea. But it’s
clearer to me than ever that fan hood is extremely important to me, and it will
be a main factor in the type of career I choose.
I want to show the world how meaningful and fulfilling it
can be to be a sports fan. I’ve been a Giants fan for most of my life, and I
don’t plan on ever forgetting that. But I also know it’s important to see
things in the whole perspective. I know I can thrive in any job environment as
long as the motive is to bring people the joy of sports. I will do whatever I
can to get the type of job I want.
And no matter what I will never forget the other thing Sal
said to me at the end of the meeting:
“No one’s stopping you from being a fan in your own house.”
“No one’s stopping you from being a fan in your own house.”
