My time in the News section at The Daily Orange is something that I stumbled upon, and I truly had no clue what would be in store for me. I first saw a sticker on the back of Sophia Burke’s laptop and was like, “Oh, that’s a cool sticker.” She sent me the applications a week later, and I applied for every position in News.

My first story was a coverage, where I was tasked with following the “journalism pyramid.” I didn’t know what that was, and quickly had to lock in. I wrote the story like an essay and in a Word document–big nay around here.

This memory is something that gives me comfort and a sense of pride, seeing how much I have learned and grown over the past year and a half.

Being in the house the first time is something I truly don’t remember. The mysticism of it all made life there seem unreal. I didn’t understand what the entity of The D.O. was, or the consuming culture of it all.

My time with The D.O. has brought me many trials and tribulations, leaving me feeling lost at times. Despite this, it is what helped me realize where I’m supposed to be. The people I met along the way quickly became my favorite humans. Spending hours upon end in the small newsroom was one of my favorite parts of the job. This duck is for them.

Burke – I’ve written yours and deleted it about three times now. I’m really not sure how to verbalize how much you mean to me. Our friendship extends beyond the walls of 230 Euclid and is something I hold close to my heart. You have been such a rock for me, someone who I love hanging out with and doing god knows what. When you told me you weren’t going abroad, I was selfishly happy because you were stuck with me for another semester. Here is to all the hours in Bird, hours at The D.O. and hours we will be able to spend going out next semester.

Shivika – I have too much to say about you and our friendship. Not only are you one of my favorite things about this newspaper, but you have also quickly become one of my closest friends. I am endlessly thankful that you are in my life–in ways that I can’t even explain here. Senior year is going to be amazing; here’s to going out on a Wednesday, never worrying about a write-up again and to always beating the dead horse.

Madeline – UGHHH I love you so much. Truly. You are such a phenomenal friend, and I absolutely adore you. When I first met you to train me for dig, I could feel the aura and knew you were an amazing person. Your patience and excitement to train me immediately made me feel welcomed and comfortable in the newsroom. It’s been great to watch you have the best time abroad and visit your motherland. I can’t wait to see you again in the fall.

Arabella – Bella Bits, you are remarkable. I can’t wait to watch you thrive and succeed as news editor. Working with you again, as assistants this time, has been a fun ride and made my final semester here amazing. You are such a compassionate person, and I just know you will have only success in your future. The role of editor is perfect for you. I can’t wait to see you shine in this position.

Sydney – Finding out we would be assistants together was so exciting for me. The energy you brought to the newsrooms as a staff writer was unmatched, and being able to spend four nights with you every week was definitely a highlight of my fall semester. I can’t wait to see you in the fall, and know you will be a diligent copy editor.

Delia – Thank you for taking a chance on me as your assistant. Your leadership helped me grow, and for that, I am forever grateful. You are insanely talented and a stellar journalist. I can’t wait to see the strides The D.O. will take under your leadership.

Brenne – You led this section with tenacity and a deep dedication to the role of editor. I am so lucky to not only have you as a friend, but also as someone I can learn from. You are so kind, and I have really enjoyed working together this past year.

Kendall – You had an amazing ability to handle the role of EIC with so much grace and poise that you made it look easy. I am so happy that it was your leadership I worked under for a year. I knew that whenever you were to edit one of my stories, it would be a time full of laughs. I can’t wait to see all you accomplish post-grad.

Viv – You are a strong and hard-working assistant, seeing you grow and become a stronger editor throughout the semester was great to witness. I really enjoyed working with you and becoming close friends over the course of the semester. Thank you for the endless supply of Sunflower La Croix. You are going to be great here. I’m excited to keep up with your work.

Tara – Befriending you at spring formal after complimenting your bag has been such a catalyst for so much joy in my life. You are an insanely talented journalist and culture is so lucky to have you. I can’t wait to see all the cool projects you take on.

Remi – It’s been so much fun getting to know you inside and out of the newsroom. You are so cool and a great addition to the news culture. So happy we are able to duck together. See you at yoga.

Rose – You are a strong leader with big ideas. You always made me feel welcome in the newsroom. Thank you for being so supportive, and I can’t wait to see your bay life living.

Laura – It was so great working with you in house! I really enjoyed the time we spent together. You are so funny and an insanely sharp copy editor. I wish you so much luck for your internship, and I know you will be amazing.

Priya – You were a great dig editor and it was so fun getting to know you. Good luck at U Mich!

Owen – BIG O!!!! Thank you for the endless supply of cookies, pizza and chicken nuggets. I’m going to miss your dry humor and hearing your future plans. Go Micron!

Peyton, Paige, Gia, EC – Guys… after a year and a half… I am done. Thank you for listening to me relentlessly complain about my stress and the myriad of other things that occurred during my time here. I love you guys and am forever grateful to have you all in my corner. Can’t wait for redfield living.

Mom and Dad – Love you, guys.

Published on May 1, 2026 at 10:38 pm
Contact Chloe: cfrinka@syr.edu