Reflections and goodbyes after seven BV semesters
First impressions are important, but sometimes it’s important to give things another chance.
When I visited St. Bonaventure during an open house, I stopped by The Bona Venture to see what the campus newspaper offered. The stacks of newspapers, dusty old computers and whining printer were the backdrop of what would become my home on Wednesday nights for the foreseeable future.
My first time in RC 5, I was met by what I thought to be overly eager weirdos who called their club a “cult.” I figured I’d give it a shot though, as the lure of on-campus internship hours was enticing. I never could have imagined how much time I would devote, how many awesome people I would meet and all the incredible writers I would be surrounded by.
Kono, Jon and Mike, thanks for giving me the chance to write and get my foot in the door in the sports section.
Kibbe, you’re one of the best writers I’ve ever met. Thanks for ripping apart many of my stories, improving my writing week after week and for your dramatic readings of fashion articles.
Jeremy, I had a great semester with you as my sports assignment editor. You were one of the writers I could always count on to get in a story, even if I had to wait until 1 a.m. Thursday for it.
Liam, Christina and Emily, you did awesome as EICs and managing editors in my time with the paper. From Liam elevating the paper’s online presence and aesthetic, Christina being there to crack jokes to Emily’s voice of reason and calming presence, you all made my semester as sports editor absolutely fantastic.
Natalie, thanks for buying even more pizza than me and for offering up an endless amount of “Okay, but…” conversation starters. Your album reviews blow me away every single time, and I know you’ll do great things with The BV next semester.
Kelly, we’ve been along for The BV ride for the same amount of time, and it’s been super fun getting to know you, even though I never once thought about writing for the features section. You’ve done fantastic this semester as EIC, especially with all the fallen through articles and late nights.
Dom, thanks for your unending commitment to the paper, even three semesters after being EIC. You’ve done so much great work, from writing to editing to delivering, and everyone is so thankful for the obscene amount of hours you’ve invested in the paper. I’d also like to add Dom wouldn’t let me write an opinion piece about how massive of an athletic accomplishment the beer mile world record is, and I’m still salty about it.
Kiley. First, you better not be crying (yet). From the first time we sat next to one another on those grimy cushions and got assigned stories, to watching you graduate, we’ve been the best of friends. I’m so glad The BV brought us together. Having you as my last EIC was a perfect ending. It was so much fun spending all night Wednesday in the newsroom, seeing each other at the Burton Thursday and then delivering papers together Friday morning. Thanks for being a great writer, editor, mentor, EIC and one of my favorite people this school has brought into my life.
It’s upsetting to be saying goodbye to The Bona Venture, but I know I’m leaving the paper in good hands. Pullano, you’ve proven to be a great editor even as a freshman, and the sports section can’t wait to have you. Meghan, holy moly. I’ve never seen a freshman have such an immediate impact and write as eloquently as you. Keep digging up dirt and being an amazing journalist. I’m super proud of you both and excited to see where The BV goes in the future under your lead.
That’s all I’ve got. Thanks for the opportunities, thanks for the long nights and thanks to all the athletes, coaches, students, faculty and staff I bothered for interviews the past four years.
Go Bona’s.
