When I took my first story here, I was so scared of messing up that I called Stephanie Wright to go over my interview questions with her. Seconds before we called, my laptop fell off my bed and shattered.

I don’t know if that was supposed to be some type of sign or a look into what my future here would be like, but I think it’s fitting.

As excited as I’ve been to write this, it’s also incredibly hard. I walked into 230 Euclid a wide-eyed freshman, obsessed with the Rory Gilmore of it all and too scared to take a photo of the newsroom to show my Mom. This house has truly become a second home, most days I’ve spent more time here than my own.

There’s so many people here I need to thank, this list only scratches the surface.

Kendall: I wrote yours last because there’s so much to say, I don’t even know where to begin. I seriously can’t thank you enough for everything. I’ve learned so much from you and even though we always seem to read each other’s minds, you have no idea. I remember writing for you when you were news editor, and you always made me feel so welcome. You gave me the confidence to apply to be in-house, and for that, I’ll always be grateful. You’re seriously one of the most talented people I’ve ever met. Thank you for always pushing me and letting me rot on the management couch whenever I needed a break. I’m going to miss you so much. I hope Tuesdays get easier!

Rose: All roads lead back to MST. Thank you so much for everything you’ve done for me this semester. I was a little scared over the summer when not a day went by that I wasn’t slacking our channel, but I’m so grateful it turned into close friendships. I wouldn’t want to talk to any other group of people every single day. I’ve loved finding new things to bond over and I’ll miss you so much, but I’m a little scared at just how similar we are. Try not to be too jealous of my Instagram stories when I’m gone. We have to hang out in SF when I’m back. #everysecondcounts.

Shivika: Thank you for keeping me sane this semester. I don’t know what I would’ve done without you. I still can’t believe you’re one of the first people I met at SU. Who would’ve thought the girl I happened to sit next to in Spanish 101 freshman year would become one of my best friends? But thank god you did. Thanks for being a great friend and an even greater copy editor. I’m glad I don’t have to be your “boss” anymore. You’re gonna have the best time in D.C. and I can’t wait for you to visit me in Italy!

Duncan: You had more confidence in me doing this job than I ever did. Transitioning in, I genuinely had no idea how you did it all. I thought my head was gonna explode. Thank you for listening to me vent when you definitely had way cooler things to be doing in Chile. Having you in my corner made this job so much easier. I’m sad we’re just missing each other next semester, but I’m excited to be back next year for Dancing with the Stars Tuesdays, we all know you missed it.

Julia: Thank you so much for hiring me. You truly changed my life. You don’t give yourself enough credit, but I’m so glad to have worked under you as news editor. You’re a fearless reporter and I’ve always admired your willingness to tackle any story head-on, even if that means waiting outside dorms to get balanced sourcing. You’re awesome and I can’t wait to read the stories you’ve yet to tell. Slay!

Kate: Kate! You have no idea how relieved I was when you agreed to come back. I felt a thousand times better about this job knowing you’d be there. Being assistants together was so much fun and I’m so glad we got to work together again. You’re an insane reporter and I’m truly going to miss you. I’m still sad our favorite food truck never showed up. Enjoy your well-deserved retirement.

Madeline: The same goes for you! To be honest, my heart sank a little (a lot) when you first told me you wanted to duck last semester, but I’m so glad you didn’t. It’s hard to believe we started together over a year ago. We had no idea what we were getting ourselves into. You light up the newsroom and I’m so grateful to call you my friend. See you in London!

Henry: Daley Orange. Thanks for keeping me fed every time you came in-house, your meal plan provided more than half my dinners every week. Even though you ditched us for sports, I’m glad you stuck around. Your work ethic is truly unmatched and I still don’t understand how you have time for all that you do. You know I’ll never say this to your face, but I’m lucky to have you as a friend. Enjoy NYC!

James: I can’t believe we’ve had the same class together in the same room, sitting in the same spots for the past two semesters. You’re one of the most genuine people I’ve ever met and I’m so glad you were in management this semester. I’m glad we could bond over our insane assignments and keep each other in the loop. Can’t wait for a California avocado!

Griffin: My three-name byline buddy! I’ve loved getting to know you more this semester and I’m so glad you contributed to news as much as you did. You’re truly a gifted reporter and I’m lucky to share a few crazy-long bylines with you. I can’t wait to read your USen coverages, I’ll try not to get fomo.

Brenne: You have a long line of former news editors in your corner who want to see you and this section succeed. This job can seem scary, but you have everything you need to do great. Trust your staff, trust yourself and trust your gut. I’m so incredibly excited to see what you do and am so proud of all you accomplished this semester. Remember to make time for the things you enjoy. Please don’t hesitate to reach out, I’ll be just a call away!

Sydney: Truly one of the funniest people I’ve ever met. Your presence lit up the newsroom all semester, you’re such a great addition to the team. I’ll never forget when you started showing us all your impressions while you covered SGA. You’re an amazing reporter and I hope to see you abroad!

Chloe: You showed so much growth this semester and I’m so glad you’re sticking around! It’s been so nice to have a fellow Californian in news as shocked by the winters as I am.
Your hard work this semester hasn’t gone unnoticed. I can’t wait to read more of your bylines in the spring! Keep the newsroom safe for us.

Ally: I’m so glad I got to hire you this semester. Your transition was unconventional, but you handled it so well. Your work has been incredible and you were the perfect addition to our newsroom. I guess I can forgive you for celebrating Whitney’s elimination. News meetup abroad please!

Mia: We did it! I can’t believe our semester is finally over. I’ve loved working alongside you. You’re an incredible reporter and I always look forward to reading your culture stories. You’re seriously the coolest and I can’t wait to see your bylines at Comso or Vogue or whatever cool-girl magazine you end up at.

Noah: Not sure if I’m happier to be done as a head ed or with our ethics class. Definitely the first one. Thanks for complaining with me about our crazy budgets on our walks from class. Even though you’re not a DWTS fan, I was glad to find out there’s someone else in-house as obsessed with reality TV as I am. Still not sure why your assistants are scared of news, let me know if you find out.

Leo: Leo! I can’t believe we’re finally done. Thanks for being an incredible photo editor and putting up with my last-minute news coverages and breaking write-ups. I’m gonna miss sharing a wall with you. No more digging for Kent files!

Savannah: I’ve loved reading the opinion section this semester. Your ability to preserve your writers’ voice in every story is something I deeply admire. Enjoy your well-deserved rest!

Ilana: Ilana you’re truly one of a kind. You’re so sweet and patient and incredible at your job. Thanks for being so flexible with news and for creating some of the best front pages I’ve ever seen. I’m so proud of the work we did together and am gonna miss you! I can’t wait to see what else you do.

Sophia: I think you’re so cool and mysterious Sophia. You’re so talented and great at your job, I could never do what you do. I’ll never forget our D.O. til sunrise last duck night. Send me your Florence recs!

Sammy: The other half of my beloved enterprise editors. You’re so cool and such an insane reporter. Thank you so much for everything this semester. I can’t wait to see what else you and Julia do.

Stephanie: My queen. I owe so much to you. You truly taught me everything I know. Thanks for giving me assignments as the eager freshman I was. You scared me but I always knew you were making me better. I wouldn’t have had the confidence to do this job if it weren’t for you.

Sam: I’m done! Now we can spend all our Sundays watching true crime documentaries, even after 4 p.m.! Thanks for listening to all my rants and picking up on all my journalism lingo, you could probably do a C read at this point. Sorry for not crossing paths with you three days out of every week even though we live together. I love you and cannot wait for our adventures abroad.

Mom: I seriously could not have done any of this without your support. At least my late hours almost made up for the three-hour time difference between us! Thanks for reading all my stories and understanding when I didn’t reply to your texts on Wednesdays, it means more than you know. I’m excited to come home for a much-needed break.

I’m over my word count, so that’s all from me. I love this place and everyone in it dearly, I’m sure I won’t be able to stay away for too long.

Bye news!

Published on December 11, 2025 at 1:23 am
Contact Delia: dsrangel@syr.edu