Senior Essay: Fermin Mendez
The track on an unbearably hot September afternoon, the
intimidating size of the football stadium steps, maxing out in
early morning lifts, and that’s just preseason! Four years at
Harvard pass rather quickly. What may seem an eternity to some,
passed in the blink of an eye. A few years ago, a young naïve
freshman walked into Coach Weiss’s office not knowing what to
expect. The only thought echoing through his head was the desire to
wrestle. Yes, that brief time ago, I was that freshman, and since
then, I have never regretted it. Sure, athletics at Harvard is no
easy task. There are ups and downs, highs and lows, but no one gets
by that easy. Especially not a wrestler. We’re a different
breed, and by no means sane. We sacrifice the comforts of life to
do what we love. Harvard wrestling has only solidified that, and it
has staked its claim in who I am. I’ve had teammates
from across the country, recruits and walk-ons. Every one of them
has become a member of my family. Harvard wrestling does more than
provide a family atmosphere; so again, I reiterate Harvard
wrestling is my family. No matter the adversity or the difficulties
I’ve faced, Harvard wrestling has been there to push me
through it. My teammates have held me up, and my coaches have had
my back.
To give a better grasp on how much the program has meant to me
over these past four years, I’d like to include an excerpt
from my senior banquet speech:
But I hope I’ve done merely benefit from the support here.
I’m going to quote a little bit of Scripture because
it’s part of who I am. Jesus says,
“This is my commandment: love one another as I
love you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down
one’s life for one’s friends.”
Every time I have stepped out on the mat, I have done it for each
and every one of you. I love this sport, and I love this team.
Every match, every practice, every day, I’ve tried to give it
my all for you whether that included correcting papers, working
out, or just an open ear and an open heart.
Harvard wrestling has and always will maintain a very special
place in my heart. These four years, I have given it my all just to
wear a singlet for this university. The chance to compete here as a
Harvard athlete is a truly unique experience. The reality of
Harvard athletics has been a vivid dream, and I hope many more have
a chance to don the crimson and white.
