Laura Van Wert

Fall 2004-Fall 2006

Asst. News Editor, News Editor

I don’t think any other job could possibly train someone to run towards sirens and fires, but this one did. I’ve learned that being crazy and persistent are good qualities for news, and being honest and genuine with people will get you further than telling them what they want to hear.

But The D.O. isn’t just for my rsum. I’ve made countless memories with friends, doing absurd things that were so funny they couldn’t possibly be made up.

So as I go off to London for the semester, I look at my total experience at The D.O. and smile, because it’s been totally worth it.

Dana: Where to begin? Halloween ’05 would be a great place. Thanks for letting me partake in Paris’ task force, joining Thanksgiving shenanigans, sharing black eyes and Washington D.C.; Thanks for making out on my coat and snuggling with me, for helping me through break-ups and food critics; Thanks for letting me laugh and cry, and fight for the things we believe in the most. What I’m trying to say is thanks for loving me as much as I love you.

Katie, a.k.a. Bill Clinton: I’m so happy to be sharing next semester with you. You’ve been there when I’ve needed love; we’ve laughed in cars, on roofs, in beds and at parties … coincidentally, we’ve drank in all of those places too. We’ve shared hook-ups and break-ups, trashy magazines and love of ‘The Sopranos.’ I’ll be there next semester to tuck you in again. Ha ha! I love you!!!

Jess I: I love giggling with you. London’s going to be great!!!

Jess II: London, baby! It’s going to be awesome!

Amy, a.k.a. Abe Lincoln, ‘Ol Top Hat: I miss you! You are one of the loveliest people I’ve ever met, and at least now I know how the Civil War really started.

Kovach: I have to admit that you taught me lots and now that I’ve been in your shoes, I see why you made some of the decisions you did. Thanks. Also, I’m glad that we can get along again. :0)

AJ: You’re going to make a wonderful EIC. I’ll miss you (and your back rubs) so much. Please sing more ‘Kissed from a Rose’ to me.

My lovely news team: I know I tell you this quite a bit, but News couldn’t have been as successful without you. I hand-picked each of you to craft what (I think) has turned into a great section. You brought something very special to News and I’ll miss you very, very much.

Mel: I’m so glad I convinced you to work at The D.O. when you were drunk and dancing at DKE. You’re going to make a good news editor. It’s going to get tough, but you can do it, and remember, if you ever need anything, I’m just an e-mail (or IM) away!

Eric: Oh, Pledgy! I love you so much! I can remember your first story and that chaos. Please take care of the apartment and my paper airplane, bitch.

Erin: I think the two words I think of when I think of you are ‘Freebird’ and kittens. Good luck teaching spinning next semester. I’ve really enjoyed working with you. Thanks for bringing your SA expertise to News.

Dara: You’re the cutest girl ever! Thanks for being such a great copy editor and friend. I’ve loved doing our laugh together. HAHAHAHAHAH!!!

Nic: Even though you weren’t in News this semester, I wanted to make sure to thank you for your hard work. You’re a great person to have in the newsroom and I’d work with you any day.

Mere: Honestly, one of my favorite parts of work has been late-night chats in your office. London’s going be fun!

Gainor: You’ve saved my ass on many occasions with your wonderful advice (even if it is via AIM). Thanks bunches!

Design: You’re all awesome! I’ve enjoyed working with each and every one of you and seeing the cool things create.

Casey and Leslie: ‘Shoes. Let’s get ’em!’

Feature: You guys and gals are wild! Every time I go downstairs, you’re having the craziest conversations!

Kelsey: I’m glad we both got passed our mid-semester sicknesses. Best of luck in Florida!

‘Disgruntled Alum’: Thanks for getting me drunk when I was 19 and too young to buy myself beer and for letting me tuck you in.

Janela: Thanks for the phone and always letting me watch ‘Global Guts’ with you.

Ben: Denny’s runs anyone? Seriously, you did a wonderful job this semester as ME.

Sheebs: Lunch with you has been great (and always uncensored)!

Ethan: My fellow Steelers fan! You’re a very talented person and will make a great ME. Just remember to give people a chance to do his or her job ’cause sometimes they know what they’re talking about too.

Mike Mahon: I love you … for so many reasons! Thanks for the Post-It war.

Sports: You guys are talented and funny. Be careful not to break too many ladies’ hearts. ;0)

Seamus: ‘Dear God, please make me a bird, so I can fly far, far away from here.’ I love you!

Evan: I couldn’t have asked for a better duck! Thanks!!!

Mom and Kristine: Thanks for blessing me with your stubbornness and abilities to never stop talking … apparently those qualities make great journalists. Ha ha! I love you.

Beth: I can’t decide if you have terrible or perfect timing when you call me as I am in the middle of a meltdown. You tell me when I’m being stupid and remind me when it’s a bad idea to drink wine on a roof.

Dad: I wonder all the time if you would like the person I’ve become, but all I can do is to keep trying. I miss you so much.

Peter: I knew our relationship would work when I told you I worked late nights and you said it was OK, because you don’t sleep either. Thanks for the endless support (and Insomnia Cookies for my writers). I know I can be tough sometimes. I love you so much!

Published on December 8, 2006 at 12:00 pm