After spending two years joking that The BV was a cult, I received an email from the editor-in-chief at the time about an open position for the following semester. I remember the mixed feelings of excitement and confusion. I’d been meaning to join to get some coveted internship hours, and this could be the resume boost I’d been searching for, but it felt too good to be true.
My only real experience with The BV before this was attending the interest meeting during Welcome Days, and with no journalism background yet, the fear of being critiqued by my peers deterred me. And now, this exclusive group of all-nighters wanted me to join their editing team as features assignment editor.
Thank you to Dom LoVallo, who recommended I join in the first place. I don’t think I’ll ever meet someone more passionate about this club than you. Your dedication and work ethic have always inspired me, despite how much I’ve teased you. You’ve been a great friend, and I owe so much gratitude to you for the impact you’ve had on my time here.
Thank you to M.K. Killen, who joined with me. Our endless laughter and inside jokes infected the people and computer desktops around us. You made those long nights bearable, whether it be with late-night food trips or sharing memes to pass the time.
Thank you to Natalie Forster. I could write a whole essay about how much your role in this club has impacted my time with The BV. We were a killer features-editing pair, off in our corner with music, pizza and wild stories. I’m so grateful you stayed to be my managing editor because I couldn’t have done it without you. You’re a phenomenal writer and editor, and I hope we can dominate the publishing world together someday.
Thank you to Ryan Signorino. We started out sitting next to each other as assignment editors making our side comments, and I’m so glad we’ve experienced this journey together. Although your commitment to this cult may have been more subtle than Dom’s, I’m grateful to have gotten to know you and watch you thrive as an athlete, editor and writer. Sports is still the one section I never wrote for.
Thank you to Kiley O’Donnell, who eased me into the stress-induced role I’ve held this semester. You taught me the logistics and responsibilities, but also the importance of having fun while doing so. Your vibrant presence has been missed, but you helped me take The BV where it is today.
Thank you to Mike Hogan. You’ve carried the sports page all semester with minimal complaining – at least that I heard. Your dedication is a valuable asset to this staff, and I know you’ll be an awesome managing editor and leader, both in the club and in your future career.
Thank you to Leah McCluskey and Jeremy Castro. Both of you still remain to be a memorable aspect of my time with The BV, even though your Wednesday night visits are a rarity, but I’m happy we had the chance to work together.
Thank you to Emily Losito for always being there to offer advice or a shoulder to complain on through all the chaos.
My final thank you goes to the rest of The Bona Venture staff I’ve had the honor of working with. Though we’ve had some challenging nights with stories fallen through, layout struggles, lash back and misprinted pages, you’ve all stood by my side. On top of it, you produced fantastic work, even if it was beyond stressful and time-consuming. I’m so proud of all of you, and I cannot wait to see the work you continue to produce.
Choosing to join The BV was one of the best decisions I’ve made during my time here and I’ve never regretted it – even when everything felt like it was falling apart. This club gave me incredible journalistic experience, but most importantly, countless memories with some of the most talented writers I’ll ever meet.
The Delusional Tantrum of UFC Heavyweight “Champ” Jon Jones
Photo: Sportsnet BY: COLIN BISH, STAFF WRITER Whenever I write, I try
