A Golden Apology

So, it's probably a guy thing. Wonder how many times the girl who was the friend next door was really "the one" all along? And, the babe you never thought you could even approach turned out being a disappointment.

From the time I could tell a football from a lima bean I wanted to be a Trojan. Big brother Jay sold me on the proposition when I was about five years old. And I must admit I've long been guilty as charged for passing the sale's job forward.

As a high school grad, I chose going to Cal State LA because, basically, I had no other choice. For a punk teenager like me, it was like going to the prom with your sister; couldn't believe I hadn't been swooped up by someone a little fancier.

Funny thing happened at the prom, I found myself and asserted myself; even focused on doing what it took to have what I thought deep down, was impossible. I began to believe I could really walk the talk that always sounded so good to friends and family.

When I left Cal State LA, the speech prof presiding over my final class took the time to explain why I would later come to appreciate my time spent at a "commuter school."

When I made it into the School of Dentistry at USC, I mentally and emotionally dropped my undergrad alma mater like a dirty shirt. Looking back, it was like after finally finding someone who cared, I took off after almost four years, infatuated by the flash.

Back in 2011, I had the chance to spend some serious quality time with the women who are the CSULA Lady Basketball Golden Eagles. In 2019, I was back at Cal State, LA; speaking with high school kids looking for a future in Health Sciences and Service. And it was great being back home.

Back in 2011, Coach Jones was a patient of mine. But more than that, she was an inspiration; just like David Rayudu and Impactful Internships during 2019.

In either case, the young men and women I met were so impressive they made me feel reluctant to take on the task of being a guest speaker; down deep, I knew I’d rather have listened to more of what they had to share. Meeting the ladies of Golden Eagles hoops reminded me of the bright idealistic ladies who are my family away from home Monday-Thursday. Meeting the high school juniors and seniors was the chance to slow down, share some lessons learned the hard way, and appreciate loved ones who never stopped giving.

That speech professor from back in The Day told me I'd learn more in one hour spent in the CSULA cafeteria than I would in four years at USC. And I guess sometimes forty years can go by before you attach the final punctuation to the sentences you never forget.

I'll always love the Trojans. I'll even admit there's a warm bounce in my step when I recall 34-straight football wins and my trips back to South Bend. Because, one of the last things I'd ever do is disappoint my brother.

But this year and since 2011, instead of frequenting the Galen Center, I drove down The 10 and up to Cal State LA; even got "thank you(s)" for showing up.

Back when three of the Golden Eagles shared a few words about their coach and team and the prospects for the coming year, it seemed more like they were part of a family reunion than a usual and customary kick-off banquet. With the high schoolers, it was probably just me, but I felt like the cool uncle (my dad could have been type cast for the role because he was authentic.)

Coach Jones demanded structure, accountability, and results and she had a record that was all about winning; she coached lives, not players. Wonder how many coaches end a speech imploring young athletes to look and listen for the chance to make a difference? I know a Speech Prof who would, and I know my family who did.

As the players introduced themselves and attending friends and family, all I could think was "United Nations." Then I thought of an hour spent in the Cal State cafeteria…and then my TCDC Team. I think I owe the girl next door an apology…and a thank you. The letter is in the mail.