Duck: Hannah Mesa
I began my time at the Daily Orange as a freshman with no idea what I was doing. I barely knew how to use Adobe illustrator, and I didn’t even have a laptop, but Lucía and Cole took a chance on me anyway. I remember eagerly waiting for the update email after my interview calling my mom the moment I got it.
As soon as I got the privilege to be part of the VIS team as a design editor, I rushed out to find a cheap used laptop. Lucía even let me use her big monitor in the beginning, a generosity I am still so grateful for, especially knowing she had much more important tasks on her plate as presentation director.
The time in the VIS room with the design team was an amazing experience, and I was more than happy to return as Illustration Editor when I was given the opportunity. Writing this duck feels so surreal. The D.O. was such a big part of my growth as a creative and as a collaborator. The people here and the culture at the house are so special, and it was a privilege to work alongside such a talented team.
Lucía Santoro-Vélez: Thank you for taking a chance on me when I absolutely had no business being in a room with so many talented people. Your kindness helped me grow more than I can express, and this opportunity shaped me as a designer in ways I’ll always be grateful for. You made the VIS room feel comfortable the moment you walked in, with your humor, supportive words, and honestly your incredible style. When I felt unsure about stepping into the role as illustration editor, you reassured me and I needed that more than you know. Thank you for believing in me.
Cole Ross: I don’t even know where to begin with thanking you Cole. You are not only a mind-blowing designer, but you have the sweetest heart. Thank you for your patience during those long nights in the design room, fixing my graphics when they were off center and crooked, never making me feel bad about it. You have such an eye for detail, and the VIS team was so lucky to have you. Not only did we benefit from your unique perspective, but your sense of humor. I can’t count the amount of times you made me laugh with your quick-witted jokes. You made the time at the house so special and something I looked forward to, especially after long Starbucks shifts. Even though you are having a blast at Copenhagen, don’t forget about the little guy in SU! We knew you before your design fame!
Ilana Zahavy: Ilana you are so amazingly talented. We started in VPA together, painting a mural in a group project, which I think we can both agree was a silly assignment. When I first spotted you at the house during my tour, I was so excited to see a familiar face, and even more excited to keep crossing paths with you. The jump from VPA to Newhouse is no small feat, and you’ve taken it in stride. Your design work is so unique and beautiful, I admit I picked up D.O. issues just to see your work on the front cover.
Sophia Burke: Sophia your work in the design team has been so valuable. You’re so talented at graphics and incredibly hardworking. On top of all your talent, your positive energy and humor kept everyone going in house, even through long nights. Although I haven’t been able to see you much now that I am not in house, I remember designing with you fondly and I can’t wait to see everything you accomplish.
Kendall Luther: Thank you so much for welcoming me back to The D.O. as illustration editor. It meant the world to be allowed to continue my work with everyone and contribute to such an incredible paper. Your commitment to The D.O. is unmatched and I can’t wait to see all the incredible things you do post-grad!
Rose Boehm: Thank you for all your kind words this year Rose! Your influence has helped The D.O. thrive, and those long nights at the house don’t go unnoticed. The paper has flourished under your management and hard work. Thank you for being amazing!
Griffin Uribe Brown: Although I worked in house for a bit, I think the first time we officially met was at the student employee awards ceremony. I was so grateful to put a face to the name behind all the hard work at The D.O. Your stories are inspiring and you’re so genuinely funny. Your spirit has been a positive influence in the house, thank you for everything.
Emma Soto: Emma, thank you for taking on the Head Illustration Editor role with grace. Its no easy task for sure, but I was so happy when you decided to take on the role. You’ve been a standout illustrator all year, always happy to take on a last-minute illo and helping me whenever you can. I am so excited to see all your work next semester!
Illustration Team: Thank you all for all your hard work this semester. Through last-minute illos, difficult topics, and challenging sketches I knew you all had my back when I needed it. I feel so lucky to never have had to worry too much about deadlines with you all there to support me. I know being an illustrator on top of your class workload is stressful, but you guys took it on with professionalism and pride. Illustrations at The D.O. would not have been possible without such an amazing team. I am so proud of our work this semester and I look forward to continuing to see your amazing work in print and digital formats.
