Bennet Iwalani EspindaBanick

For four incredible years, I had the honor of wearing the Block O on my chest with insurmountable pride. The days were long, but the lessons I learned, the relationships I gained, and the accomplishments I achieved were worth every hard moment, sacrifice, and test of my greatest capabilities.

I came to Ohio State to dance, a love my heart has known for as long as I can remember, but as I reflect on the person who left home four years ago, I can’t help but beam with pride at how far I have come — not only as a dancer, but even more so as a person.

My four years were filled with shiny things: 6 National Championships and 2 World Championships with my team, being on the sidelines for Ohio State football’s National Championship, and traveling to the Rose Bowl, the Cotton Bowl, and two Men’s Basketball Big Ten Championships. While those memories will last a lifetime and I wouldn’t trade them for the world, it’s the not-so-shiny things that made Ohio State so pivotal for me.

I was blessed with the best coaches in the entire world, who sacrifice so much in their own lives to make sure that 20-something 18–22-year-olds maximize their potential, peak at the right time, enjoy every moment, get redirected when they need it, pass their classes, find their best friends, and are ready to fly when their time at Ohio State comes to an end. And while all of that already sounds like a lot, I’m positive there are a million other things that happened behind the scenes to make each and every one of our experiences at Ohio State exactly what we hoped it would be — and so much more.

So from the very bottom of my heart: coaches, you are my heroes. Thank you for all that you poured into me, asked of me, and trusted me with. I am lucky to carry the lessons you taught me every single day.

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