I can’t believe that I’m writing this.
I can’t believe I’ve been working at this newspaper for two years, and I can’t believe that I’m graduating next Friday.
In August of 2012, I was a computer science major, but that was really just a placeholder until I figured out what I seriously wanted to do.
Luckily, I found journalism. When I was in sixth grade — 11 years old — Florida football and basketball both won national championships.
My mom didn’t want me staying up late watching the games, so my dad would record the games for me to watch later. Later meant 5 a.m.
I would get up early, sit in the dark and watch the National Championship games before school.
Ten years later, I found myself sitting courtside in the O’Connell Center covering Gators basketball for this newspaper. Each time I would see those National Championship banners hanging above me, I would think of those dark, tense mornings sitting on my couch with the glow of the TV flooding the living room.
I’ve turned my love of sports into a job — a fun job, at that. I came to UF as a clueless kid from Melbourne and I’m leaving with a passion to pursue a career — a sense of purpose. The Alligator gave me that.
Mom, Dad, Anna, Yaya, thank you for your unconditional love and support. I wouldn’t be in this position without you and everything you’ve done for me. I love you guys.
All my family, friends, teachers and coaches, you guys have made me who I am. Jackie, you keep me grounded, buddy. Thank you.
I need to thank Adam Lichtenstein, who hired me in 2014. You gave me a chance. Jordan McPherson, Graham Hall and Ian Cohen, you all helped me become a better writer. You were the three best editors I could have asked for. Thank you.
I want to thank everyone I worked with at the Alligator — not just sports, but everybody. Alligator alums have a history of doing great things after they graduate, and now I know why.
Finally, I want to thank anyone who has ever read anything I’ve written. You are who I do this for, and I hope you’ve enjoyed my sports coverage over the years. If you happen to see me around and recognize me by this small column headshot, please, come up and say hi. I’d love to meet you.
Until then, Maminakis out.
Alex Maminakis is a sports writer and a UF journalism senior. Contact him at amaminakis@alligator.org and follow him on Twitter @alexmaminakis.
