Editor takes a look back on his four years

I’ve spent the past four years working with words. Writing words, editing words, saying words. But now, as I try to give my final words to The Bona Venture, words escape me.
I joined The BV a few weeks into my freshman year at Bonaventure. I did so for internship hours. I did so to build my resume. In no way did I expect to make The BV a part of my daily routine. In no way did I expect The BV to become a place I associate with friends and family.
As I try to avoid every cliched way to say I’m going to miss working for a college newspaper (never thought I’d type that sentence and mean it), I also need to thank a lot of people.
To begin, the alumni of The BV. Every single one of you paved the way for someone like me to find success in the newsroom.
More specifically, I need to thank Emily Losito and Ethan Kibbe. You both challenged me to become a better writer and a better person. I’m forever grateful for your friendship.
To my fellow seniors Kelly Haberstroh and Ryan Signorino.
Kelly, you joining The BV was a huge sigh of relief. We need help, you came in and immediately made the newspaper better. You were an immediate leader and voice people could look to. Besides all the logistic crap, you’re an incredible person.
Ryan, you did everything there is to in The BV. In your own relaxed style, you found a way to improve a sports section in a rut. You took over opinions when you had already paid your dues. Not to mention you’re a phenomenal journalist.
To the future leaders of The BV, Mike Hogan and Natalie Forster.
Natalie, you are more than ready to take over. You’ve only done great things for this newspaper. You’ll be someone we all will be proud of. And Mike, way to follow in my footsteps… I guess? Sports to managing editor, The BV has a full year of competent leadership assured. You two will be an awesome one, two punch.
There are too many other names I really want to mention, but I can’t take command of the entire page for just my goodbye. So, to the remainder of The BV staff, I would like to wish you luck. Also, my most sincere gratitude. I wish I could spend every Wednesday continuing to mooch off your pizza deliveries, editing your stories, solving InDesign issues and swearing over the stress of being awake at 3 a.m. I will always read The BV. I will stay connected with whoever wants to stay connected with me. You are wonderful, talented people.
Professor Carole McNall, give me a second to get on a soapbox of my own.
Thump, thump, thump.
Thank you.
Your support, your wisdom, your friendship. To be your student has been a true honor. The BV could not have asked for a better advisor. You never turn us away from your office, even at your busiest moments. You keep a stash of chocolate available for the most stressed students and faculty. You promote The Bona Venture and its staff whenever you can. We are not worthy of someone like you. I hope I’ve made you proud. Please take a break at some point.
To this newspaper. This stress inducing, anger intensifying, lifelong relationship building newspaper. I owe some of my closest friends to you. I owe some of my fondest memories to you. I will never forget my BV Wednesday nights. I will always cherish delivering papers early Friday morning.
To The Bona Venture Newspaper, thank you for one last byline. Goodbye.