As a freshman, I didn’t want to join The Daily Orange because I thought it was too much work. I wanted to assess my options. Then, I got a text from Nate Lechner asking me to apply at the end of that year, and I knew I needed to. Since then, I’ve never looked back. I don’t know why I was so delusional as a freshman, but working at The D.O. has been the best decision I’ve made in my college career.

There was a time when I was intimidated by the stature of The D.O., but I now know the paper is a welcoming place, full of determined and kind people. From starting on the Common Council beat to developing a voice, I’m glad to say I’ve accomplished more than I ever imagined. I’m happy I found my footing in culture.

There are so many people I can thank. This group below will barely scratch the surface of the people I appreciate here. The D.O. really became a family for me, and it’s hard to believe I won’t be here next semester. I’m so proud of all the work we’ve done in the last three semesters, and I can’t wait to see what everyone does next.

Stephanie: First off, I can’t believe we went to the same middle school. Wild. I truly admire you so much and have learned so much from you in just one semester. I don’t know that I could have done this without you. You allowed the section to explore my strange ideas – even the Syracuse Gooners. I am so grateful. I could not have done half of what I accomplished without your guidance. You’re not just my boss, but one of my closest friends. I can’t believe you won’t be on campus when I return, but I know January 3-8 will be awesome. Whenever we’re both in D.C., I’ll give you a call. I love you, Chiefanie. P.S. I promise to always remember what posthumous means. #DMVforever.

Cooper: You are such a fun person to be around, and I’m lucky I got to work under your leadership. It was always a reminder that I didn’t need to be stressed and could really just have fun. I really appreciate all the support you gave me this year and the motivation to be a better, conversational writer. From one Cubs fan to another, I will miss you when I’m abroad but I can’t wait to see you washed up around the house next year. Also, tell Mucus Man he’s the best — I guarantee he’ll carry the Media Cup. See you soon, and maybe then we’ll do a Halloween guide.

Cassie: From cherubs to ducking together, I am so glad we connected through The D.O. You are one of my favorite people to partner with on projects. Your eye and thoughtfulness in photography always made my stories better. Next year, let’s find another ghost story to tell. Love you, girl. Live it up in Chile!

Cole: You’re a beautiful spirit. Before this semester, I only knew you from Bridget and how amazing your work is, and I’m so lucky I got to work with you. From the first head eds you actually came to, I knew we were going to have so much fun together. And we did. There was no one else I laughed more with. Thank you so much for showing me Aubrey Plaza FRANCE! I will take that with me next semester and yell it to each person I meet. I’m going to miss hanging out with you when we were bored. I love you, Cross.

Lucía: I don’t even know how to start this one. I remember being an assistant and excited every time you designed culture. I’m so lucky I got to work with you and glad we became such good friends. Thanks for always thinking of culture when you need a spread. I hope you will ask yourself weekly: Is it spreadable? You are such a great PD, and you have such a passion for what you do even though you’re a policy studies major??? Beyond work, you are a great friend, and coming to work was better because of the community you created. Thanks for helping us save print journalism. I love you. See you in January, #DMVforever.

Ben: I’m so glad you’re taking over next semester. Your creativity and skill as a reporter have been evident since your Gannon’s story. You’re seriously so funny, and it’s crazy how similar we are. You’ve become such a good friend of mine. Maybe visit once next year?? See you then?

Savannah: You joined culture and just immediately killed it. You meshed so well and I had so much fun being an assistant with you last semester. I’m seriously going to miss you so much. When you would go from Monday copy to not coming in house to the next Sunday, something seriously felt missing. Don’t play next semester. #DMVforever.

Julia: Thanks for taking on this job when you didn’t apply to it. You really grew into the role and I’m excited to see what you do next. Congrats on going into your final SU semester!

Irene: I remember your first times in the house, and you were so quiet. I was so happy to see you open up and grow so much as a writer and editor. You don’t have to stay on the music beat anymore now that I’m gone. I hope to see you when I’m back!

Genae: Thanks for coming in this semester! I know dig is a different beast, but you did great. Good luck at Citrus next semester.

Mia: I’m shocked you didn’t join The D.O. sooner, but I’m so glad you did. Your willingness to pitch and take on stories was much appreciated, and thank you for coming on for dig at the last second. You should be proud of all the work you did. Good luck next semester!

Zak: Thanks for being a fellow Arsenal fan (in misery or not). We made it through MND 305, VIS 207 and the D.O., somehow. I promise not to be too annoying when I’m at the Emirates and you’re not. Have fun being a senior staff writer!

Kaia: I’m so glad we got to work together this semester. You did a great job with the Opinion section. I’m always going to be jealous of your style, but you’re welcome in Strasbourg at any time next semester. See you then.

Julia: I’m going to miss our walks from Newhouse to the house twice a week so much. It was great bonding over all the struggles we had, which seriously made me feel better every week. We now have the break we deserve and I know we’re gonna love it.

Lars: I probably asked weekly if we got photos for some event or portraits for a story. The answer was always “Don’t worry about it, Rose. I got it.” You were always a fun person to be around, and I’m glad you’d stay for an hour or two in culture when you could be home. Good luck with JNL211.

Kelly: Thank you for everything you’ve done for me the last few years. For one, you were a familiar face when I came in house. But in general, you really paved the way for me to do what I did this semester. I am so grateful for our friendship outside of work, too. Can’t wait to watch some European football with you soon. Love you, Kelly Mat!

Nate: Thanks for taking a chance on me when I was scared of The D.O. It seriously has changed my life for the better. From talking sports to talking MCU, I loved working with you last fall. Good luck with Billy Joel/SNL/whatever else you’re cooking up next semester.

Bridget: Gosh, you’re just awesome. I love you, girl. Thanks for making me feel comfortable and just being awesome in house. I missed you so much this semester, but I’m glad you were finally free. Love ya, girl.

Flynn: G.O.A.T. I never had to worry about an illustration once and it’s all because of you. Keep up the great work.

Delia: I loved getting to get to know you this semester! I’m glad you’re sticking around. #MSTforever.

Aiden: I’ve always been in awe of your work ethic since VIS 207. You seem to just easily get everything done. I know you’re gonna do great as DME. You got this!

Joe: You always made culture look good this semester. While I wasn’t a fan of being in the bi-monthly events tracker, I always loved working with you on whatever new video you were cooking up. You’re such an awesome and sweet person to be around and I hope you love your final position as design editor! Miss you already.

Hank, Deckers and Nate (again): Thanks for being my core three film bros. You carried my columns this semester.

Spoward: PUMPKIN. Seriously you’re epic and I’m so glad you made the choice to apply to staff this semester. You’re so personable and are a great addition to the team. I hope you know now that you’re not just a personality hire. #DOcoronatsforever.

319 Euclid: Y’all were my rocks this semester. I don’t know what I would’ve done without coming home and being serenaded with “girl, so confusing.” I treasure all the nacho and burger nights since I was never around. But trust me, when we rendez vous abroad, it will be epic. Love you guys.

Theta Fam: Thank you for supporting me when I took this leap. You guys are the most supportive group of people I’ve ever met. I’m sorry we didn’t see each other as much this semester, but I know each of us killed it wherever we were. I love you all so much.

Boygenius (Abigail, Maya and Jacob): I’m so glad we all became so close last year. I’m so sad that this was our last semester together and we hung out maybe twice because of our schedules. But seriously, thank you for your support, answering my questions and letting me rant. I love you guys.

Tyler: First of all, thank you for letting me come to Delhi over fall break. I needed that, and the village truly rejuvenated me for the rest of the semester. I love you, Tyler, and I can’t wait to see you in a year.

Vallejo: Can you just not graduate? Thanks. I love you for real, and I wish we could’ve spent more time together for our last semester. But I know we will travel the world someday and read a book in silence on a train. One day. Couldn’t be me without your sarcasm.

The Boehm fam: Thank you for always being the best support system. I love you guys, and I’m excited to come to California for a well-needed break.

Published on December 12, 2024 at 11:01 pm

Contact Rosina: rlboehm@syr.edu