Lauren Tousignant

Opinion Editor, Fall 2009 – Fall 2010

After almost quitting after my second week, I can’t believe I’ve stayed for three semesters. My life wouldn’t be the same without 744. This is the most dysfunctional and cracked-out place I think I’ll ever be a part of, and I loved every f**king second of it. 

OP: Well, old friend, we’re at the end of our journey. I’m honored to have been able to take you in when you were weak and give you purpose again. We had our difficulties, but we really grew up together. I’m proud of what we accomplished. Never let anyone knock you down or break your spirits — you’re better than that now. I will never forget our time together.

Meredith: I don’t think you ever realized how much I looked up to you. From telling me what a nut graf was to teaching me how to write an edit board, you taught me everything I know. I’ve missed you immensely, and I owe you everything for actually giving me a shot. 

‘We’re the three best friends that anyone could have, and we’ll never, ever, ever, ever, ever leave each other.’

Except you BOTH left.

Maria: I probably wouldn’t have stayed if it weren’t for you. Our love of country music and Christmas and our tendency toward panic attacks made us the perfect match. Decorating the porch and singing Christmas carols weren’t quite the same this season. Conor called us annoying, but I think he meant spirited. 

Kyle: I don’t know how I survived these past two semesters without you. You always knew just what to say during my mental breakdowns. The JoBro picture still hangs proudly above the window… right next to the picture of you, Maria and me. Christmas was a little less merry this year without Snoopy. 

Luke: 744 hasn’t been the same since you left, and it’s severely lacking in plaid and jorts. You were the only person able to explain my Ghostface shenanigans. Obviously, I’ve always been in love with you, and I’m sure you’ve missed the drunken voicemails. Katie and I may resume them this weekend.

Bill: No one asks me for a Start Page tease any more. I miss our snowball fights and pretending to throw your hat out the window. Sorry for chasing you after Battle? I don’t remember, but you’re welcome for the entertaining story. John Travolta.  

Conor: I didn’t want to say it, but I’ve missed you this semester. No one can quite replace your obnoxious humor. I appreciate your assistance in helping me drink that beer. I’m sure those pictures will go down in D.O. history.  

Brittney: It was an honor sharing the porch with you. Do I still owe you dinner? Don’t worry, BrOwNiEz this weekend! 

Bethany: Thanks for your constant encouragement in my writing, as well as convincing me to stay on for this semester. 

Tyler: I think I saw you a couple weekends ago? I didn’t remember until I looked at my camera, but I’m sure it was a great time!  

Beckie: There’s so much to say. I knew we were meant to be ever since we got into the Villanova game. Sorry again about the column situation, but I’m glad we were able to move past it. No more Kardashians. But Santa’s still real. Thanks for living in an area that saved me from walks of shame, and know I’ll always be there to make sure no one walks in while you sleep under a computer desk. I’m leaving you with what may be the only child I ever have. Take good care of it. 

Kathleen: I know I’ve expressed it in drunken rants, but I’d like to reiterate how much I love you. I look forward to many more drunken memories, especially because we’re basically neighbors now. You truly taught me a lot this semester, and you’ve done an amazing job as ME. Thanks for picking up the slack on those teases. 😉 Please practice your budget jokes over break. 

Katie: It was the day that I called you Julia that I knew we’d be friends. It’s been a crazy ride, and I can’t believe the Future’s almost over. You’ve always supported my jokes and drinking habits for which I say, ‘Let’s shotgun Four Lokos on Friday.’ You’ve dick-stomped like no other, and I’m proud of you. Much love. 

Flash: I was sure we’d never be friends after I accidentally ripped the lightning bolt off your Flash mask and then again when I almost ripped your ear off. My bad. BUT LOOK AT US NOW. We may not be superheroes, but we’re still ruling the world. BBB paper review will forever hold a place in my heart… right next to Kendall. On to the next chapter. JERK. 

Tony: Thanks for the concussion and telling everyone how I broke a chair. But you’ve always been my fave. You’re welcome for always sharing my food. I’ll make another cake soon, and we can enjoy it with ALL MY FRIENDS. We need to get back to hanging out with the Future more. No concussion this weekend, please. 

Molly: You will be remembered as the best art director this place has ever had. If it wasn’t for you, I would have slept on the road after Battle, but I think the incident really brought us closer together. I’m going to miss you tons. Please send me Scribbles from Florence.

Abe: You know what you did. I guess I can finally say I’ve forgiven you, but know that Santa never will. Great catching up in the news office, though.

Kelly: I’m looking forward to following in your footsteps next semester. 

Julia: I’m sure you’ve been waiting for this. Ultimately I thought you were the coolest person in house first semester… and just wanted to let you know.

Taylor: Missed you way too much this semester. I’m looking forward to story time over a box of wine the first night we’re back. And I still owe you for getting me safely home after Battle. 

Carly: We’ve had some good times and some great drinking memories. Looking forward to your return. 

Becca: Sh*ttt gurrrllll, what it do? You’re the greatest person in the world. I will miss our comical exchanges, spontaneous dance parties and yelling your name every time InDesign freaks out. LuV u GuRl!

Susan Kim: My perfect angel of a porch mate, how did you put up with me all semester? I’ll miss ordering food and singing to you. I’m trusting you to continue the magic of the porch. If you ever feel like sliding off the chair and laying on the floor, don’t be ashamed. 

Gool: I’m anticipating lots of drinking next semester, and I promise not to get you kicked out of any more parties. Fantastic hippie shuffle, but I’m still expecting a Harry Potter sock puppet.

Brett: I think our Halloween pictures really reflect our special relationship. Do it for the LULZ, Brett, do it for the lulz. 

ALJ: It’s been great having you just through the doorway. You yelling at Ginger was fantastic, and you’ve definitely stepped up this semester to add to the LULZ. 

Amanda: My wonderful assistant. What a perfect team we were. So glad to have met you, and let’s drink lots next semester.

Bridget: I’m so happy for you! And I’m glad we got to light up at least a couple times.

Luis: You’re fab. Stay Sassy. 

Jon Harris: I’m so glad we became best friends. I really am framing that autograph. Never grow up; stay a perfect puppy forever. 

Ankur: I HATE front-page teases, but you’re pretty great. 

Michelle: Loved having you here this semester! Have a crazy time in Florence. Let’s attempt to drink more senior year.

Kelly: You’re easily the coolest person at The D.O. I love your style, and your designs are incredible. See you at Jerk. 🙂 

Laurence: You’re precious and surprisingly hilarious. 

Cooper and Cohen: Try to keep it together at Race. Other than that, you two are all right. 

Kheel: Thanks for having a last name that lends itself to the LULZ.

Dara: I’ve been watching you all semester? Not sure that I have, but clearly, if I say you’re ready, then you must be. 

Boren: The similarity of our names made me hate you at first. But you’re not so bad. 

Rachel Marcus: You will go far in this place. 

THE FUTURE: Alwayz

1109: Hiiii guys! I know you’re excited to see much more of me next semester. Maybe I’ll finally make that apple pie. 

Maria: Yea, yea, what would I do without you. But for real, love you betch.  

Figment: I hate, HATE to admit it, but you were right. Thanks for threatening our friendship so I would take this position. 

Future Op Editors: Don’t f**k s**t up.

BABY, I LIKE IT.

Published on December 11, 2010 at 12:00 pm