My Dream Come True
It’s very rare when you can say that you had a dream come true. For me, that opportunity came a just a short time ago. I’m a huge Penn State fan, always have been, always will be. It stems from my grandfather who used to wear a button up shirt and khaki rolled up pants with a blue tie every Saturday during a Penn State game. He would sit with me and watch the game telling me, Joe’s gonna run this play or Joe is gonna run that play. He was usually right. He would also find those times where something didn’t go right and yell out, “what were you thinking Joe?”. He always did so in good fun and Penn State football just became a love for me. Like living, eating and breathing. It’s part of me. However, I didn’t go to Penn State, it just wasn’t what I was looking to do. I ended up at a small school to focus on Art. However, I never lost that love for Penn State or Joe Pa.
A few years ago, Joe Paterno was under fire for having some tough seasons. He didn’t give up, instead he went out and started recruiting harder. It’s what I admire about him. His determination and excitement. I was able to see this fire that still burns in him recently. It was my aspiration to photograph a celebrity some day. I never thought it would be someone that I looked up to so much. Whether you like Penn State or not, you have to admit that Joe Paterno has been the best coach ever in college football. He’s been around longer than anyone with a fire that just won’t quit.
Recently I’ve been photographing events for an organization. It just so happened that JoePa was the speaker at the March event. I had to photograph some other spots while we were in State College, and then headed over with my wife Melissa to the restaurant where Joe would be speaking. We went into the back room of the Nittany Lion Inn restaurant and I was setting up my equipment when Melissa said “He’s here”. I looked up at her in confusion while I was trying to fumble with my equipment and she said it again “HE’S HERE”. Yes, she was talking about Joe. He was early and it just so happened the only two people in the room were myself and Mel. So, it was Joe, me and Mel for a few minutes. What would I say to one of my heroes? I thought about it for weeks at this point. I pretty much froze up but did say hi and introduced myself as the photographer for the day along with my wife. People then started to file in. I eventually worked myself up to shake his hand, but it wasn’t easy. After the lunch Joe spoke about a leader and having a fire to excite the people you are leading. It was a great speech! I then took a group photo with the organization with Joe and eventually got my own picture take with him. It was a great experience and something I’ll never forget. Here are a couple of pictures and I’ve posted a few more on the Miville Photo fan page over at Facebook. Enjoy these and have a great day!
Fire in his eyes
Still wearing glasses even after his eye surgery
My Hero
Still firing up a room
Joe and I
I, Mike’s mom, Mary have watched this talented photographer live, breathe, and eate Penn State Football along with Joe Paterno. Many poeple never attain their dreams….I must say my son, Mike has…..I am so proud of his accomplishments.
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[...] I was lucky to meet and photograph my hero and he will never be forgotten! Take a moment and read my other post about Joe. My Dream Come True! [...]