By Kaitlin Lindahl
Associate Editor
My first time in The Bona Venture’s newsroom was unpleasant. It was late, and I had scampered sleepily down from my room in 3rd Robinson. It was loud – really loud. I forced my brain to concentrate as I stared back at the swirl of colors and edits glaring at me from the computer, but pounding music from the Mac computer behind me was blurring my thoughts. After I was introduced to a sports editor, he promptly informed me that I wasn’t important to know. He didn’t bother to get my name or give me eye contact.
But behind the brashness, I saw the newsroom for what it really was – an eclectic group of friends who were startlingly different but passionate about the same thing: journalism. Between making my edits, I kept stealing glances at the mismatched couches and friends and wondered how I could join this inner circle.
A semester later, my chance came. It was St. Patrick’s Day 2010, and I was asked to be next semester’s assistant features editor. That night as I strolled the streets of Allegany, my Irish heritage wasn’t the only thing I was celebrating. Finally, I’d landed a coveted spot as a BV editor.
From that night in March to this blustery night in April, my time in the newsroom has been a whirlwind. Much like that first night down there, it hasn’t always been pleasant or easy sailing, but then again, what worthwhile thing is? The trials and tribulations of plunking away on those ancient computers have rewarded me with three very important things.
First, experience. This is the obvious one, so I won’t spend too much time on it. Besides editing and considering syntax until my eyes nearly crossed, I’ve learned how to do layout, manage not only time but a section and keep sanity under deadline. It’s been a labor of love and patience, but the tools in my journalistic toolbox have been honed and crafted by The BV.
Confidence is the next gift bestowed by the newsroom. While organizing files on my computer last year, I was pleasantly amazed at how many people I’ve interviewed at St. Bonaventure. Unlike many students who never take the time to chat with professors outside their majors or talk up the mysterious faculty member, I have. Each features story I wrote sprouted from a skeleton of interviews. Each interview gave me two things – a unique story (everyone has one, you know) and confidence. Striking up conversation with strangers isn’t easy, but the more you do it, the more natural it becomes. Interviews are no longer scary, and I can thank The BV for that.
The last thing the newsroom has given me is a family of friends. While I’ve always known Bonaventure was a second home, it wasn’t until I met this unruly bunch that I truly felt I had second family here. Throughout the all-hours Wednesday sessions, these editors became my friends. Through Feats Fests, weekend nights at our townhouses and Hickey dates, these friends became family. The things we’ve shared – smiles, tears, dances, Mangia’s garlic knots – have solidified a friendship so great I know it will last far beyond graduation.
Like Jade sings to Ed Sharpe, “Home is wherever I’m with you.” Here’s to the newsroom and the paper that gave me so much, but most importantly a Bonaventure family — a Bonaventure home.
lindahke@bonaventure.edu
