Every time I’ve ever sat down to write this column, I would look at what was going on in sports and try to talk about an issue I thought readers of The Eagle cared about. But with this being my final column for this paper, a traditional sports piece wouldn’t be enough. While this may not be a typical Ben Lasky column, it’s the truest one you’re ever going to get.
I wasn’t supposed to be here. I have a learning disability, which presented a lot of challenges for me when I was younger and, at times, still does today. A lot of people didn’t see any college in my future, not to mention a top 100 school like AU. Yet somehow I sit here writing this, just weeks away from graduation.
I say this not to talk about how great I am, but how great you are. If you have helped me at all over these last 23 years, this column is for you.
If it weren’t for my family, friends, the amazing teachers at Kingsbury Day School in D.C. where I attended sixth grade through high school and the great people I’ve met during my time at AU, there is no way I would be in the position that I’m in today.
Sure, I’ve worked hard to get here. But without the help of so many people, I would be somewhere else, without the prospects in life that I have going forward.
To my dad, I get my love of sports from you. Without you brainwashing me into being a Yankee fan, I’d be miserable.
Mom, oddly, people often compliment me on my smile. I get that smile from you, and thankfully I didn’t get your laugh.
To my brother Adam, you’re my best friend. Thanks for being there for me whenever I need you.
I know I don’t often show how much I appreciate you, but I want you to know that I’m sitting here writing this with tears streaming down my face, thinking about all the sacrifices you guys have made for me in my life, and how lucky I am to have you.
Finally, to The Eagle. When I started my job as assistant sports editor, I didn’t show up to the office on Sundays until I was required to at 3 p.m. But if you’ve noticed over the last few weeks, I’ve been in the office much earlier than that. Not because I have anything to work on, but because I can’t wait to see you people, my friends.
If you’ve been on staff at The Eagle this past year, you’ll either enjoy or be very annoyed by the next 200 words or so.
If you want to come give me a visit and need directions to where I live, just sit tight, take hold and take Thunder Road all the way to the end and meet me in the Land of Hope and Dreams.
My only hope is that someone makes sure that our new editor-in-chief, Zach Cohen, doesn’t gain too much power. A wise man once said that “poor man wanna be rich, rich man wanna be king, and a king ain’t satisfied till he rules everything.”
I hate to leave you guys, but as I said before, I was never supposed to make it this far. I’ve never been the most talented, but I’ve worked my way to the top. Tramps like us, baby we were born to run.
Tyler Tomea and I have worked really hard for the sports section this year, and I hope everyone has enjoyed it.
Because you’ve just seen the earth shakin’, history makin’, pinpoint editin’, Springsteen playin’, angry rantin’, editorial board distractin’, Lindsey Anderson confusin’, first ones out of production, Eagle lovin’, legendary…Ben Lasky and the sports section!
