In April of 2011, I walked on to the ASU campus looking for the Matthews Center, home of The State Press.
I was still a senior in high school, and finding the building on the big campus was not an easy task.
By the time I stepped into the sports office I was a sweaty mess, not the best look for a kid trying to get a job.
But life goes on, and I had my interview.
A month later, The State Press hired me on as a sports reporter, and it still remains the best moment of my college experience.
I've covered six sports in five semesters.
I witnessed the ASU women's cross-country team and women's soccer team squeak into the NCAA championships at the last moment.
I witnessed a national champion in ASU track and field athlete Jordan Clarke.
I witnessed ASU baseball make it back to the postseason just a season removed from sanctions.
And now I'm witnessing ASU football's best season in recent memory.
Next semester I won't be returning, but I'll never forget what the newspaper has allowed me to accomplish during the past two and a half years.
Thank you, State Press. That lost high school kid is now just a distant memory.
Reach the reporter at dsshapi1@asu.edu and follow him on Twitter @DsShapi
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