From the Rose-heart

By Ben Roseheart
Collegian Staff
April 26, 2006

It happened when I went to my first 76ers game as a freshman, and helped then-junior Justin Daniels record a TV package for La Salle 56. During a timeout, I looked around the arena from my spot courtside with the other cameramen.

A chill went through my body, and I could feel the goosebumps on my skin. One of those “Pinch me, am I really supposed to be here?” type of moments. And yet it felt so right. Like I was meant to be there.

It happened again my junior year when I listened to Eagles linebacker Dhani Jones guest conduct the Philadelphia Orchestra in the Kimmel Center before getting the chance to interview him. And when I walked into Alltel Stadium at Super Bowl XXXIX in Jacksonville, as an Eagles intern, it happened again. In Torino, Italy, at the Olympics, an Italian choir sang the most beautiful sounds I have ever heard during a mass; the goosebumps reared their heads. And I know on May 14th, surrounded by my classmates, friends and family, I will feel those goosebumps again.

There are only a handful of moments in my life where I have felt that chill and those goosebumps. Other examples include my heart practically jumping out of my chest when the Communication Department honored me in front of a crowd of alumni, and whenever I hear the La Salle Gospel choir sing. Sitting on the bench behind the tennis courts and just taking in my surroundings, I feel them sometimes.

I believe it is God’s way of reminding me how blessed I am. All of these moments have been a result of me coming to La Salle. And in every instance, I know that I am exactly where I was meant to be.

La Salle has been the perfect place for me to attend college. I have been given the opportunity to meet the most interesting cast of characters on this campus and gain so much professional and life experience. And while every person has weaknesses, every organization has room for improvement, and no one can ever be fully satisfied, La Salle has been so much more than I ever thought possible. Much like women, La Salle sometimes frustrates me; however, I know it’s only because I care so much about the school and the people here. I want to see La Salle improve for the people who are here after me.

I must say thank you to the people of La Salle that have meant so much to me: past, present and future. Thank you to all the members of La Salle 56, WEXP, the Collegian, Ambassadors and UMAS; special thanks have to go to my advisors Tonya Ellis and Dawn Fraser who helped me so many times, both as a friend and as a professional. Thanks to Brother Gerry Molyneaux for first giving me and my mom the tour of the Com Center and making me feel that La Salle wanted me; Alice Hoersch and Lynne Texter for helping us get the first of many internships with NBC Olympics; the entire Communication Department; the Honors Program students and professors for the unique experiences inside and outside of the classroom; Father Jim Dever for his advice and guidance; La Salle coaches and student-athletes, such as Coach John Giannini, who patiently allowed me to interview the basketball team at a moment’s notice; everyone from the third floor of St. Hilary and to Hack, Brady and Hyslop for instilling in me a passion for WEXP.

While I’ve tried to include everyone already, thank you to some of my closest La Salle friends: Phogan, LaSella, Kim, Feeney, Lagowski, DeLucia, Brandon, Hyslop, Anotado, Katie O, “Soph Jim,” ALC, Long Hair Pat and Sean. Thank you to everyone who has doubted, frustrated and challenged me. Without you, I wouldn’t have anyone to prove wrong. And of course, thanks to all of you Collegian readers.

Without my passion for people, sports and music, my life wouldn’t be what it is today. I will never forget any of you or La Salle. I hope that my actions, words and example have and will continue to speak louder than any wristband ever could. I will forever be La Salle.

rosehartb1@lasalle.edu