My time at the Daily Orange started during the fall semester of my sophomore year. I remember being terrified when first stepping into the house. Everybody seemed so close and intelligent in their positions, I thought I would never get to that same point. For a long time, I was going back and forth on whether it was really time to leave. But here I am, sad to part ways with the people I have now, too, become close with.

I can proudly and confidently say I have left The D.O. a better version of myself than when I first walked in. I wasn’t sure if this job would entirely work to my benefit as a public relations major, but in retrospect, it did. I have gained skills that prepared me for a lot of the PR work I have to do now and in the future (that AP style is engraved in me — coming from someone who loved Oxford commas). I am beyond lucky to have worked alongside this lovely group of super sick and extremely talented individuals.

Writers: A quick thank you to all the amazing writers I got to work with this past year — You’re all insanely talented; anyone would be lucky to work with you. (Special shoutout to my favorite human, Maya Aguirre. When you would come in house, those days were probably my favorite.)

Kaia: Where to begin with this lovely face? Kaia, you were my first head editor and my first friend at The D.O., and I wouldn’t have it any other way. You broke my shell, whether that was because you were playing music out loud and I was singing along, going back and forth late at night to get the piece out or stressing to find a date night date, but you made me feel at ease. When you left to go abroad, I truly didn’t know what I was going to do without you. You brought so much joy to our little bay window, and I’m so glad I can still text you updates about my SU life while you’ve been away. You saw something in the freshman-year me that applied, and I could never thank you enough for that. I miss you a billion times, can’t wait to see your face in the fall.

James: We clicked instantly. You were an assistant beside me first but getting to know you this semester, you truly continued to make the Opinion section such a warm and inviting environment. As my head editor, you still saw me as an equal, and I will always continue to have immense respect for how you treated me, others and the way you carried yourself. I’m glad we can bond over our music taste and have random topics of conversation. You have encouraged me so much. I know you’ll do great as DME. Thank you for all the rides home after many late nights in house and for your bags and bags of goldfish. I will miss our lore drops dearly.

Savannah: You are one of the smartest individuals I have ever met in my life. You brought a whole new level of intelligence to our section. When “training” you to be an assistant alongside me, I knew you didn’t need it, you picked everything up so quickly. You’re destined for so much success, and I can’t wait to see what you do with the OP section.

Cole: The light of my life at The D.O. I was always most excited to see you and sad when I didn’t. You never fail to put a smile on my face when I’m in your presence. C, you made dig. meetings fly by, you’re nice enough to join me at Shaw or Sherry (even if I am begging you or vice versa) and we’re always having side conversations that end in tears because of how hard we’re laughing. You’re super talented, DDD. You’re someone I will forever bug and be lucky to have by my side. You’re one of my favorite people and I truly hope you don’t forget about me. Thank you for giving me a friendship I hope lasts beyond our time at The D.O. Gotta love C.

Lucía: The sweetest angel to walk this earth. I will continue to describe you as “she’s just amazing.” There are no other words, and I know everyone feels the same. Thank you for such a pure friendship. You are beyond just talented, Lucia (truly the coolest human ever). You made going (or not going) to breakfast at Sherry before our 9:30 lecture worth it every time. The type of energy you bring is infectious and anyone would be lucky, just as I am, to be surrounded by it.

Aiden: My second DME, you changed the environment of being a digital assistant entirely (in a good way, trust). From your first day on the job, you made a very hectic work environment less intimidating. I had no idea who you were at first, but I ended up making another Drake-loving friend and someone who can see through my horrible drawings for graphics. I applaud your patience, work ethic and your sassy, quick replies will be missed.

Sophia & Ilana: Design editors of the century! You’re both great to have around and I’ll always be upset we didn’t have more time together. You both became a friendly face on campus and someone to go to for a laugh. I have no doubt you’ll both do amazing in your new positions! Sophia, you’re the coolest and easiest person to talk to. Ilana, you bring the best energy to the VIS room and I’ll always remember the beautiful T-Swift graphic.

Stephanie & Cooper: To the top of the top. You guys brought the perfect balance of work and play to the house. You both know how to make everyone in the room a better version of themselves. You made the house run to its full potential. Thank you for everything.

Published on May 5, 2025 at 3:56 pm