This semester was without a doubt my most challenging at Syracuse University. With long nights and endless emails, working at The Daily Orange is an experience like no other, but this job has shaped my life for the better over the past two years.

I wrote my first story right before the first day of classes fall semester freshman year, and I constantly tell new writers about how that first story didn’t get published (I thought a “source” meant a link to a website). I had never written anything besides essays, but I started my freshman year determined to try something new.

The D.O. staff that semester gave me a chance, taught me how to write, and allowed me to grow. I will always be grateful for that. Two years later, I finally understand the difference between passive voice and active voice — I think — and I mostly remember not to use Oxford commas.

While working on articles, I’ve been able to explore Syracuse outside of the SU bubble and really learn about where we live. Whether I was being watered like a plant for a story about plants’ rights or getting stranded at a seven-hour music festival, I am so grateful to The D.O. for the unforgettable experiences it provided me.

I’ve made lifelong friends in this building and learned about how much a place can change a person. I know I’ve made a lot of jokes about how ready I am to duck, but now that it’s finally here, I wish I had a few more weeks.

Rachel Raposas: I have to start my duck with you, because you were the start of The D.O. for me. Thank you for being the best introduction I could’ve asked for. When I started writing my duck, I looked at yours for inspiration, and got overwhelmed by how beautifully you communicate. Sorry (not sorry) for copying you by switching to a writing major and doing publishing.

Anthony Bailey: I learned so much about writing and editing while working in your section. I will always be grateful for that semester and everything that it taught me, and your kindness and support meant so much. 4/20 guide forever.

Nate Lechner: NATER TOT. Thank you for all the car rides home and for all of the stupid jokes during production. My first two semesters were absolutely fantastic for a million reasons, and laughing so hard my stomach hurt with you was one of the big ones. When I think about The D.O., you are the first person that comes to mind. Come back to Syracuse!

Sophie Szydlik: I loved gossiping with you when I was copy and you were dig. I really look up to you as a role model. You are a safe space for so many people here, whether you know it or not. I’m so happy I met you and I know I will be stalking your LinkedIn updates for many, many years to come.

Sophia Moore: I’ll always be glad you told me about The D.O. while giving me a tour of campus my senior year of high school. I love seeing you around and knowing that there’s a piece of home here on the east coast with me. It means more than you know! Someday we are going to do that coffee date we are always talking about. I promise.

Ava Lombardi, Varsha Bhargava, Liv Boyer, Sydney Brockington: We got so much done this semester!!!! I was really nervous about being culture editor and I’m so lucky I had such a good team. From Valentine’s Day Guide to the eclipse and every late night in between, I am so, so, so proud of the work the culture section accomplished this year. You are all going to do amazing things, whether you continue at The D.O. or move on to explore something new.

Faith Bolduc: I still remember the look on your face when we were sitting in Spanish class on the first day and both mentioned The D.O. in our introductions. This place has brought me so many wonderful friends, and I am grateful that you are one of them.

Davis Hood: Thank you for all the sweet treats, supportive post-it notes, and disastrous mac pitches. It kept me sane. Please keep sending me the Wordle even when we don’t work together anymore, and keep me updated on your whale sounds and Google Calendar tasks and all the other shenanigans you get up to. You are the best. Do YOU need anything?

Bridget Overby: I was absolutely petrified of you when I first met you, and I am so glad that the D.O. let me get to know you a little better. Design and culture had some amazing collaborations this semester and I am lucky I got to work with an absolute genius.

Lucía Santoro-Vélez: You are going to do such an amazing job next semester!!! I will absolutely be stalking The D.O. Instagram every Thursday and picking up paper copies to see your designs. Bridget could not have left the section in better hands.

Leah Cohn: I am so glad we met!!!! I wish you worked more than one day a week. You’re awesome. Seeing you in culture — usually in the coolest outfit I’ve ever seen — always made my day.

Olivia Fried: I think about that donkey by your house more than I would like to admit. You did so much important work with opinion this year, and I know you’ll keep doing groundbreaking work in the future! Your passion shines through with every piece you publish.

Cooper Andrews: You are going to be an incredible managing editor! I can’t wait to see what you, Cassie, and Stephanie accomplish. You should write another screentime column for culture sometime, and send it to me when you do. Please.

Anish Vasudevan: Thank you for being a fantastic editor-in-chief. I really appreciated how you and Kyle put in effort to check in on every section and be involved (I will really miss seeing FEEM disclaimers in concert trackers and coverages).

Kendall Luther: SOPHOMORE HEAD-ED SEASON. I loved chatting with you and reading all of the incredible news stories you put out. I hope going abroad is absolutely fantastic.

Kyle Chouinard: I really appreciated your support and kindness at the beginning of the semester when the new job was overwhelming me. You were an incredible boss, and your confidence in me means a lot. We will all miss you next year, but I know you will go on to do amazing things! Please warn everybody the next time you get a haircut.

Savannah Stewart: When you applied to be assistant culture editor, I told Kyle and Anish that you were more qualified for my job than I was. And I was right! You were an incredible assistant and I hope The D.O. and Syracuse serve you well. I will do another recommendation letter for you anytime, and mean every word! Chanels/Kellys forever!!!

Rose Boehm: You have been the epitome of a right-hand man this semester. The section wouldn’t have been able to accomplish 80% of what it did without you. I know that next year you will continue crushing the analytics game and make the culture section better than it has ever been before. The D.O. is so, so lucky to have you. I know I said I was throwing my phone in a lake when I quit, but I’ll keep it on in case you need anything. You got this.

Hannah, Sarah, Jules, and all the rest of my friends who don’t work here: Thank you for listening to me talk about this place 24/7. I’m done! We can hang out on weeknights now.

Cassie Roshu: Our friendship is the best thing that working at the D.O. gave to me. I am so incredibly lucky that we both lived in BBB freshman year and that I met such a genuine, kind, inspirational friend. Within weeks of us talking by the water fountain before that fire drill, I knew you would be in my life forever. You are going to be a phenomenal DME next semester and I can’t wait to hear all about it. You have real, genuine passion for the people you cover and the talent to execute your vision. You got this!

Matt: I never dreaded long D.O. Wednesday nights when I knew I was going to call you on my walk home. Thank you for always picking up the phone. I love you!

Mom and Loopy: I am so lucky to have the best mom and sister in the entire world. I’m never scared to try something new when I know I have you guys on my team, and I can’t wait to tell you about my post-D.O. adventures. You both know how much I love you – but I’ll keep reminding you anyway.

Published on May 6, 2024 at 12:23 pm