By Kelly Song//Mosaic Staff Writer
Deadlines are approaching faster than ever, and throughout the newsroom Mosaic reporters are typing at lightning speed, fueled by coffee and chocolate croissants, and nervously reading their stories over and over and over and over (did I mention over?) again.
The papers will be printed tomorrow morning, and red marks from edits fade as they come closer to being sent into the final basket, sealed and on their way to production. It’s the final push as we put together one of the best newspapers we’ve ever written, filled with stories of wonder and imagination, ones we would have never imagined writing about.
I hate to admit it, but soon we’ll be saying our goodbyes. I don’t think I could ever imagine my life without these friends, who have been such a great team to work with, and given me one of the best experiences ever. We’ve struggled through the hardships as a not only friends, but also as a family. By the way I also cry about everything, so I may or may not be quietly crying to myself right now… Don’t judge.
Let me just vent out that I’ve become great friends with every person here in this newsroom editors included. And I’ve told myself that I need to write something special about everyone.
Jittery Jacinta has not only been my roommate, but also a great friend. Whether it’s laughing about guy problems, eating at every possible place, and making funny noises, she’s been there for me from day one when I first met her. I don’t think I could have asked for a better roommate to spend Mosaic with, and laugh about everything.
Trendy Talia, and her sass and unique personality make every moment hilarious. Whether it’s her definition of “kooky” (insert sound effect here) or just pointing and laughing crazily, Talia empowers us with her weirdness. Her voice is amazing, and is head leader of the Ghosts of Washburn in face masks.
Creative Calyse is so sweet and nice to everyone around her, and keeps the sanity in everyone at times of craziness. Her passionate views on feminism are truly inspiring, and I have so much respect and admiration towards her. Being my photographer for all of my articles, and someone who I always turn to for creative input, I love her as much as she loves dried papayas.
Bahaar, who although wasn’t with us to make up nicknames, is still a special person whom we welcomed whole heartedly into the family the day we met her. Whether it was introducing me to Indian food for the first time (which was sooo good) and freaking out with me over college apps, Bahaar has always been someone who I can turn to. She is a great listener, and I will miss her understanding and patience as a friend.
Eclectic Enya is downright adorable, singing to High School Musical or cutting out a triangle of jelly like a food surgeon. She’s so determined in the newsroom, always finding a new story to report on. I remember the time we thought she had been kidnapped, but she was just eating dinner, and we all freaked out. She brings a lot of life to the newsroom, dorms, and beyond.
Crying “Fresh Squeezed Lemonade” Cohen makes me burst into laughter without saying anything. I’m not sure how he does the whole cry and laugh simultaneously thing, but it’s hilarious and kind of traumatizing at the same time. Taking two girls out to the dance at the same time, eating the crunchy raw beef ball at Tung Kee, laughing until he’s crying… I give Cohen major props.
Inspector Iris is crazy at times, teasing me constantly about my life, and I return that three-fold. All the group texts of her face and late night press conferences in the dorms have been some of the most fun I’ve had during the workshop, and I will never stop teasing her, let’s be honest. Iris is understanding too, and I always like to sit down and have a conversation with her, whether its making fun of her and laughing our heads off, or so deep it makes you cry.
Notorious Nate is placed in this spot on my blog for a very good reason, cough descending order. Juice pong, and his story on being broken up with over bacon, and making hilarious pictures — they’ve all been highlights from this workshop I’ll never forget. I’ve learned that he is a very nice guy, and has a great personality that opens up to each and every one of us.
Adroit Anthony can always be found on the couch, sleeping. Where is Anthony? He’s on the couch. Whether it was walking out in his boxers as we all laugh on the floor, or saying “I was trying to focus on McDonald’s,” Anthony brings a great personality to the group.
Honest Haley is so nice, and we are indecisive over our food together. Thank you for accompanying me to Hydration and being a fellow Asian who understood my need for rice, and walking with me to various places when I needed a friend. The Language Archive wouldn’t have been possible without all of your determination to find us tickets, and I’ll miss all of the help and support.
Terrific Tonjanae is someone I didn’t get to spend a lot of time with, but she brings a great personality to the room, and the Mosaic wouldn’t have been the same without her. I remember she told us at the beginning that she was worried about writing for the Mosaic because she didn’t have past experience in journalism. But in my opinion, she has produced some pretty damn good stories, and is an amazing writer just as great as everyone else here.
Corny Carl, who takes revenge through bios and is always laughing at the small things in life, lights up the room with his friendly personality. He’s a great friend and person to talk to, and jogging to pick up copies of the newspaper gave us an “exclusive” first look at the paper, even though I couldn’t run fast in my flip flops.
Loyal Luisa is probably the only sane person in the Mosaic family, always keeping calm and being rational in times of crisis. She is great to talk to, and will always be willing to help out anyone if they have problems (which, let’s admit, we have a lot of issues). I hope that she will someday get a selfie with Missy Franklin, which she should send it to me if she does, cough cough.
Finally, a note to all of the editors. Thank you all so much for turning my stories into a work of art, you are all miracle workers. Rob, thank you for editing draft after draft, helping me even when I hit walls, and coping with my insanity. The time you told us you gained 50 pounds just to be a werewolf for Halloween, your phone making those space age noises, walking around the school in search of a vending machine and coming back empty handed… it’s all made every day in the newsroom enjoyable. I will miss you both as an editor and someone that I can go talk to.
To Joe, thank you for being dorm daddy and helping me out with my Undocumented story. Without your connections, I would never have gotten a terrific story. I loved your stories and walking around at night, you being half the height of the bouncer at the club but still bravely being Joe and fighting your way in. I won’t forget Jammin’ Joe!
I’ll miss you all at Mosaic. I hope we all keep in touch, and I wish the best for each person in their future and beyond.
The MOSAIC 