Temple University Athletics
Adam DiMichele Blog: May 21
5.21.09 | Football
Senior quarterback Adam DiMichele (McKees Rocks, Pa.) has concluded his academic career at Temple University. Over the last two weeks, the team captain has shared his thoughts about classes ending, final exams, and graduation. This is his last blog.
May 21, 2009
Yes, I am finally a college graduate!
All the courses I took at my junior college in Florida and here at Temple University are finally over, and things seem to be paying off. Congratulations to all those who also graduated in Temple University's 2009 class, and I wish you the best in your futures.
I'm basically the first graduate from my family (even though my sister Tasha swears she is ... HAHA). Both my mother Joanie and father Dom made the trip up for graduation last Thursday. My parents don't get mentioned enough as they've done everything they can and more to provide for my four brothers, two sisters, and me with everything we need to be successful in life.
My mother Joanie is an extremely strong woman. She's basically a stay-at-home grandmother now watching my niece Ava and her little brother Dominic, or my other two nephews Isaiah and Giovanni as their parents work. She also works as a hostess at Cafeacute; Costanzo's, the little restaurant located right next to Mellon Arena (where the soon-to-be Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins play their games). If you're ever in Pittsburgh, stop by and talk to the owner Joe Costanzo and try some food; you won't be disappointed.
When I walked into the Liacouras Center that afternoon for graduation, Mom was the first person I looked for. My parents were sitting in section 116 and when I looked up at her and my father (granted they weren't that close), I could see her smiling and knew that she was extremely proud of me. My mother has said the same thing to me for the past five years every time we are about to end our phone conversation. She says, "I love you, babe. Miss you". In all honesty, what else do you want to hear from your mother?
As I sat there during graduation, I listened to one of the guest speakers, and he said something that got my attention. He mentioned role models and how choosing the right one impacts you for the rest of your life. I definitely didn't go wrong in choosing my father Dom DiMichele as one of my role models. My dad has played a pivotal role in molding me into the man that I am today. I believe that I, along with my brothers, share many qualities that my father possesses. We are all extremely competitive with one another and hate to lose in anything.
I went home for Mother's Day a few weekends ago, and we all played cards. I'm usually pretty good, but that day, my dad was the big winner. He somehow beat all of us, but it seemed like he was trying to let someone win, as a father usually does. When I asked my youngest brother Nico to describe my dad in one word, he said, "Loyal".
I just recently signed a contract with the Philadelphia Eagles and couldn't be any happier or thankful. I'm at OTA's right now, and we usually go four days a week and get Friday afternoon through the weekend off. This lasts up until June 18th. I met a lot of great guys and have become friends with mostly all of the rookies here. We are all trying to make a good impression and somehow impact the team in a positive way soon. I feel really good about this opportunity in front of me, because I'm getting a chance to learn from some of the best players and coaches in the game today. Everyone has been great thus far, and I look forward to the weeks ahead with the team. My plan is to continue what I've been doing since I was a young boy. I'm going to have fun and compete. I'm also going to take things one day at a time and continue to progress both mentally and physically.
I really enjoyed doing this blog, and maybe someone will give me a call and want me to do a blog for them after seeing my writing abilities (More than likely, they won't call ... HAHA.) I want to thank everyone who has followed my blog the past few weeks. I appreciate the positive feedback and look forward to maybe doing something like this again in the future.
I also would like to tell my teammates at Temple University to continue to stay on the grind. The hard work you're putting in now will pay off come December. I told someone today in an interview that the defense wouldn't let up any more than 10 points per game this year! I know you guys won't let me down! Believe me, I had to go against it for the past three years!
I also wanted to congratulate my former teammate Alex Derenthal on signing with the New York Giants. Like I mentioned before, if anyone deserves this, it's Alex. I also wanted to share my condolences with my former offensive coordinator George DeLeone and his family. My prayers are with you.
Well, I guess it's time for me to get going. It's been a great so enjoy the summer! Be safe, be smart, and be great!
