Cole Ross is ducking.

Hey, fans. Welcome to my first — and last — story for The Daily Orange. I’ll try to keep this part brief because I’ve gone way over the word count. Working at The Daily Orange has been the most rewarding experience of my college career. I’ve grown not just as a designer, but as a leader and as a person. More importantly, I have met some of the most incredible people, many of whom have become my closest friends. I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything…well, maybe tickets to Big Glo (can’t wait to read this when I’m no longer obsessed). I would bring all of you, of course.

But seriously, I am going to miss this place and the people more than imaginable. It’s given me everything I could have hoped for, and so much more. Thank you all for putting up with me and my sarcastic humor. Don’t cry, it’ll be ok. I hope to visit often and stay in touch. Also, this duck is a thought-out, crafted experience. Don’t just skip to your part, like I do when I read a Daily Orange story. I’ll know.

Nick Jepson – Thank you for being in our TikTok. I miss your consistently good pitches drawn in marker…especially of the guy who was supposed to be sitting down.

Savannah Stewart – Don’t play. Thank you for talking about Bey and Glo with me. I wish you the best time at Cowboy Carter.

Charlotte – I’ll miss doing dig meeting with you. You always came prepared, bringing thoughtful pitches and never hesitating to show off your impressive drawing skills. Thank you for always backing the icebreakers, even when it was just the two of us in support. I’m especially grateful for how we stuck together when Ben couldn’t quite grasp our shared creative genius. I can’t wait to read what you write next. You have such a promising future at The Daily Orange…even if you never make it to a party.

Brycen – It feels like yesterday that we met while you were casually playing guitar in the bathroom. Let me just say, there is no one else I would rather have had represent Vis in Media Cup than you. I’m going to miss having to bring you up to speed with today’s culture, but I respect your love for the classics. Thank you for tolerating my endless references, even when they made no sense to you. I hope to see more of your hiking adventures, epic concerts, and that someday you finally listen to “The Miseducation.”

Sid – Sid the kid. While I wasn’t quite sure who was stealing my desk at the beginning of the semester, I’m glad I eventually found out. I’m going to miss your interesting stories and jokes, which both always made me laugh, even if I was being gaslit. Although you randomly decided to ditch Vis one day, the room felt brighter with your personality in it. Wishing you the best of luck with the videos you’ll go on to create. No doubt they’ll be great. Hopefully, we’ll get lunch in the Sherry one last time without any sneezing. Oh, and me personally? I’m more of a humble crow.

Davis – After all those Zoom calls I took from the business office, I think we basically earned a minor in creative leadership together. Sorry for constantly invading your space. There is no one more committed to The Daily Orange than you. I’ve watched you show up every day with endless generosity, always ready to help and never asking for anything in return. I admire the countless selfless acts you perform for everyone in-house. Oh, but please put some pants on. Now, Davis Hood, I ask you…Do you need anything?

Ben Butler – Boy, will I miss beefing with you. Just so you know, most of the beef was fake. Sorry for, how do you say? Poking fun. Thank you for always being the one to tell me my outfit looked good that day, even though I had already told myself that when I picked it out. While you may never be trusted with aux again, I’ve got to say you stepped up when our queen chose wine and baguettes over us. I could tell early on the commitment and enthusiasm you would bring to the culture section. From the many budget meetings I attended, I saw the undeniable excitement you had while pitching an idea. You poured yourself into every piece, even when some of them would make you crazy. But it was a good kind of crazy. The kind that shows just how much you care about your work, and The Daily Orange, as a whole. Your drive and focus are going to take you far, and I’ve been lucky to witness it in action. It’s been a great semester with you, Ben Butler, bendana and all. But seriously, never chase me again. I can run fast when I want to. And I don’t want to.

Duncan – Dunkers! Our Stacey Abrams enthusiast. Sorry for not understanding the elbow rule in pong, though Lucía and I could take you any day. I’ll miss stopping by the newsroom just to say hi, not only because you were the only one who acknowledged me when I walked in. No matter how stressed or busy you were, you always managed to be so polite. I can’t pretend to fully understand what it takes to do your job, but from what I’ve seen, you’ve handled it with skill and consistency all semester. You made the demanding role of being news editor seem effortless, which says a lot about how you’ve grown this past year as a person and as a journalist. Now, it’s time to rest, Dunc. I hope you have a wonderful time abroad and in Scotland, where they speak Scottish. Looking forward to seeing you senior year. Until then, let’s see if CONN can do it again.

Harris – Harry! You may be a wizard, but it doesn’t take magic to be as respectful and reliable as you are. You started this semester strong, and I know you will only keep getting better. Thank you for putting up with the dig meetings. I know I seem crazy to you, and that’s probably why you never made it past the door frame. I’ll miss our sports chats. How will I keep up with the new lingo? I hope you finally get a chance to clear dig off of your poor computer and that you find whoever ordered that burrito you’ve been wandering around with. Sorry for giving them the Little Harry react…

Flynn – The Daily Orange wouldn’t be what it is without you. Getting to witness your incredible talent this past year has been a highlight of my time in house. I am in awe each time I get to see your final illustrations. It never gets old. Your generosity and willingness to always help others, even if it means stepping away from your work, are something I commend you for. Thank you for always laughing at my jokes…even on the rare occasions they didn’t quite land. Your calm presence made Vis a welcoming place, whereas I may have contributed to more of the chaos. I am so fortunate to have worked alongside you. Now, please take a much-deserved break.

Jordan – If there’s anyone who could rival Flynn when it comes to illustration, it’s you. Since the start of the year, your passion and dedication have been clear in everything you create. Whether it’s a graphic you pitched or a story you’ve been quietly crafting all week (even when I’m not allowed to read it), your focus and work ethic always shine through. You’re always up for whatever challenge I throw your way, even when it’s distracting. You tackle all icebreakers, scribs and even graphics with a smile. I’ll miss having to venture over to the sports room you hide in to find you, but I can’t wait to see the work you’ll continue to put out. If this year is any indication, it will be great even if you have to stay at the house past 9 p.m.

Zak Wolf – My fellow Parrothead. It’s been a joy getting to know all about Zak Wolf this past year. Your dedication as sports editor was immense, and I know you will carry the same passion with you through your final year. Thank you for staying up with us to finish a guide and for showing constant support for Vis. Your carpool answers may be some of the funniest, and your reacts are my favorites to use. Even though you probably won’t notice me, I’ll see you around Yella’s.

Mia – Jones? Don’t tell anyone, but you’ve always been one of my favorite people in-house. I should strive to be as warmhearted and considerate as you are, but I digress. Over the past year, I’ve watched you come into work each day with genuine enthusiasm and a positive spirit. It didn’t just make your section a better place, it uplifted the whole house. We missed you so much at dig meetings this semester, but I’ve loved seeing you thrive and take on new challenges. You are the perfect person for your role, and I am rooting for your Borg story idea. I’m going to miss coming downstairs to talk with you. Seeing your smile could turn my whole day around. Also, honored to be on the culture bus. I am cultured, after all.

Hailey – Our Theta Tot. Though you were only with us for one semester, the memories we made are ones I’ll always cherish. I’m glad we got to see past your serious side because you’re hilarious. You could always make me laugh with one look, especially when we weren’t supposed to be laughing. Hailey, be serious. Your creativity as a design editor and the work you completed could never disappoint. I’ll see you around. We miss you.

Hannah – I’m so grateful I got to work closely with you this past year. Not only are you an exceedingly talented illustrator, but I am also really proud of how you’ve grown, especially in blending your illustrations with graphic design. I’ll never get over the pookie drawings of the presidential nominees, and yes, I’m still holding space for pookie Glo. What stands out the most, though, is your unwavering work ethic, even if you had to draw a lacrosse stick for the fifth time that one week. I’ll miss your upbeat energy, humor, and pop-culture references. You always succeed in making me laugh. Can’t wait to see your astonishing work as illustration editor.

Lily – The Zuck, my king! Getting to know you over this past year has been such a joy. The energy and confidence you bring to work each day are infectious. You light up every room you enter, whether it’s with your quick humor, spontaneous singing, or just your undeniable presence. You have been an absolute pleasure to work with, and I have always admired how you give 100% to everything you work on. The growth you have shown since the beginning of the year has been exciting to watch, and I can’t wait to see what you create (and write!) next. Please, never stop singing. It’s a vital part of the office vibe at this point.

Dakota – DaGoata. I’m so grateful Bridget found our silent assassin. The tranquil energy you brought to Vis was a breath of fresh air, especially during the busiest work days. I admire your ability to absorb knowledge so quickly and your determination to never back down from a design challenge. You have an innate talent for it, even if you don’t always see it. I’ll always bear in mind how you thought outside of the box, especially when the pitch seemed impossible. I’ll miss our debriefs, those moments when we’d reflect on the day together. Sometimes it was just a big sigh, and that was all it needed to be. Most of all, I’ll miss screaming “DaGoata!” each time you once again proved your expertise. You’re one of the few people who sorta gets my music taste, and I’m hoping you’ll one day give us a dance performance. You’ll be missed more than you know. One last thing. Don’t forget the source!

Joe – Hearing that you wanted to come back and work as a design editor with me was the best news of my year. I already knew that you were one of the most talented photographers I’ve ever worked with, but getting to see your diligence as a designer and illustrator deepened my respect for you. I’m going to miss hyping you up in Slack, especially for those insane GIFs you pulled off. Your still presence, willingness to take on any graphic pitch (no matter how demanding), and your ability to do it all without a single complaint — unless it was about you know who — made you an unstoppable force in the Vis room. The commitment and strength you showed this past year are laudable. I’m excited to see the work you’ll continue to produce next year. Somehow, it will only get better. YEAH JOE!

Paulina – P. I’m going to miss seeing those pink headphones every time I walk through the door. They were, in fact, a beacon of hope. Thank you for being my Shaw partner through it all — rain, shine, and the times I needed some extra convincing. Most of all, I’ll miss our pre-dig catch-ups, where you’d patiently try to explain your ideas while I nodded like I totally understood. It’s been a delight working alongside someone as proactive, dedicated, and genuinely fun as you. Beyond your work, you’ve become one of my closest friends, someone I can trust and laugh with. I am so glad that the D.O. brought us together, and I fully intend to be a frequent feature on the spam. Everyone’s gotta love P, you know. It’s kind of impossible not to.

Kendall – Kenditor-in-Chief. No one embodies patience and kindness like you do, Kendall. Your warm smile made The Daily Orange feel like home from day one, and made it easy to adjust to. I’ll never forget the craziness we’ve been through together. From late nights in the Haven Hall floor five lounge to even later nights at Firudo with the Class of ‘31, you’ve always been there for me, and I know you always will be for others. Your unwavering commitment to this paper is nothing short of remarkable, a belief reaffirmed as we brought you food and blankets last year on the steps of the chapel. The Daily Orange is beyond lucky to have you leading the way. You will be amazing.

James – When you first started, you came into the house each day with passion and a drive to work hard. That energy is still clear in you today. Thank you for being my chauffeur, especially after we left Cooper’s. I’m not sure why coming up with all the names of things that have “Jim” in them made me laugh so much. I know how much The Daily Orange means to you, and I have no doubt you will continue to give it your all. You’ll do great, Jimmy Buckets.

Cassandra – I miss the fun and lighthearted energy you brought to the house…and our karaoke sessions, of course. I can’t wait to hear about all of your adventures in Chile. Your pictures look stunning! I hope you took some time to relax from the work you put in during the Fall. I’ll see you when we get back.

Cooper – Nothing validated me more as a new staffer than hearing someone yell my name from the sports room every time I sent a graphic in the channel. Even now, your support of my work means so much. I appreciate the encouragement you show each person on staff, no matter what task they may be completing. It’s a real reflection of your character and leadership. The time and effort you’ve dedicated to the paper are genuinely impressive and deserving of recognition. Thank you for giving us the Mucus Man. I hope he hasn’t been through too much on his journey. And by the way, you’re a really good basketball player. Geno would be honored to have you as a player on his practice squad.

Justin – Justiiiin. You would be on the cover of Charli XCX’s new album ‘Frat’.
When it comes to sports, the only thing we have in common is how we’re both teammates on Coach T’s squad…and we would choose to wear Lululemon uniforms. I’ve never met someone as passionate and knowledgeable about sports (and Sing) the way you are. The complete dedication you have shines in every corner of the newspaper. Whether you’re picking photos, pitching collages, or expressing your opinion on a layout — your care for and collaboration with Vis amazes me. If it’s good with you, it’s good with me. Thank you for being one of the first people in sports to reach out to me this year. Even if it was just saying hi when we passed by each other or you and Aiden walking around screaming “Yeah Glo!” randomly, those moments made a huge difference and go to show the type of person you are. You made your section feel approachable and fun, while your energy brought people together and helped us all to connect over crazy jokes, late edits, and random conversations. I’ll miss those times with you the most. Catch you in food.com next year or out on Long Island. I hope the internship with Golf Digest goes well! Talk to me nice, Girsh.

Aiden – Step. Now that we’re on speaking terms, I can finally say what an absolute honor it has been to work alongside you this past semester. I’m glad you eventually emerged from the sports room because I was never setting foot in there. It’s clear that being the DME is no small feat, but somehow, you made it look easy. You did it your way. Your vision, passion, and unwavering commitment to all work have been a source of inspiration. Under your leadership, meetings ran smoothly, our social media transformed (great templates by the way), and you cultivated a space filled with support, creativity, and collaboration, all while you continued to write for the sports section. I can’t say enough about how prepared, hardworking, and thoughtful you are. This brought the perfect balance to running a dig meeting with me. Beyond that, you’re just an all-around great friend and easy to talk to, even when our conversations turned brainrot. I’ll miss the underground Wednesday meetings we held in the business office, and I know you’re going to secretly miss the icebreakers, whether you’ll admit to it or not. I’m quite sad we were unable to experience Billy Joel together, but I highly recommend you and Girsh go see Glo. You both have practiced saying “Yeah Glo!” more times than I have. Thank you for making this last semester so much more memorable. I truly wish we’d met sooner. Keep working on your impressions. V’s up. I’ll see you around, I suppose.

Sophia – My partner in Glo. Where would I be without you? Stranded at Ronald Reagan or the bottom of a crazy mosh, if I’m being honest, so thank you for making my dreams come true (and keeping me alive). Let me start by apologizing for making you apply to The Daily Orange. It is absolutely nothing like what I described to you, but I’m so glad you do work at The Daily Orange, so, sorry, not sorry, I guess. Now that I think about it, I should be thanking myself. Anyway, I am so impressed with the work you have done this past year, and I am excited to see what you will continue to do. You have become an extremely talented, thoughtful designer who pays close attention to detail and consistently produces refined work. You are always someone I can rely on for an honest opinion and the only person in-house who hands my “attitude” right back. It must be a DDD thing. Most importantly, I want to thank you for being my friend. While I’m going to miss you driving me to the house, re-explaining the pitches to me, and ordering me food, I know I’m going to miss our telepathic laughs from across the room that made even the longest nights easier the most. There is no one I trust more as DDD than you, so, sorry, not sorry again. I know you are going to be amazing, and I know a lot of things. Call me if you get lost.

Ilana – Zalans. Where do I even begin? Words cannot express how extremely talented you are and how much of an impact you have made at this newspaper. Your ability to create through different mediums never ceases to amaze me. The energy, curiosity, and relentless drive you bring to each project you approach are inspiring to all who work alongside you. You have become someone I lean on for advice and someone I am confident will always put her best work forward. S. I. Newhouse himself better be ready to admit you if the future of design is to be in safe hands. If push comes to shove, I will be making my way to a certain advising office, and we both know who I will and won’t be speaking with. But beyond your creative brilliance, I want to recognize what an incredible person you are. Your kindness, inclusivity, and magnetic social energy are felt throughout the house and do not go unnoticed. While I find it hard to believe that you were scared of me the first day we met, I am so glad you conquered that fear! I have enjoyed each moment I spend with you inside and outside of the house, even when it’s for 72 hours straight. I look forward to the future laughs, brain rot, and wild stories we will share. I’m lucky to call you my friend. I suppose I should shout out Sophia for securing The Daily Orange’s not-so-secret weapon. You’ve crushed it this past year, and I know you’re going to thrive at the helm. Just remember not to stay out too late…the buses only run for so long.

Stephanie – Chiefanie. Our fearless leader. From one EIC to another, you have a bertiful spirit. I’ll admit it. At first, I was a little intimidated by you. But not anymore! Honestly, you should teach a course in leadership because you are one amazing leader. Your strength and relentless drive uplift those around you. Thank you for handling challenges with clarity, communicating with intention, and genuinely wanting every single staffer to succeed. This isn’t something words can fully capture, but know you made a lasting impact. Thank you for being a chief who set standards high, encouraged diligence, and championed respect, all while making sure we still had room for fun. The workplace you nurtured may have been demanding, but in the end, exceedingly rewarding. You, Cooper, and Aiden built something truly special at the D.O., and I’ll never forget being a part of it. I’m grateful that our time together grew into a friendship. From your goofy humor and patience for my wild stories, to The Daily Borg lore drops and your iconic snort-laugh (sorry, had to), those memories mean so much. Chiefly, I’ll miss our couch chats in management, and your visits to work with me while I had music blasting. Whether it was Jennifer Coolidge impersonations to certain vocabulary I didn’t understand, we had some good laughs. Also, your design work is exceptional. You know who should be proud. I’m going to miss you very much next year. I cannot wait to hear what job is lucky enough to have you and look forward to your visits. Our couch is always open. Shaw fries are on me.

Rosina – Ros. FRAAAAANCE! I tried to write this duck in French but failed immediately. Thank goodness I attended head-eds that one time and you let me borrow your sunglasses, although I’m pretty sure our friendship started long before that. Since you’ve been gone, I’ve really missed walking into the house and hearing “Hi Cole Ross.” The energy you brought to the house was unmatchable and it was definitely missed this semester. Those who work closely with you know how deeply caring and responsible you are. I’d visit culture not just for the jokes, but because the warmth you created radiated through the entire space. I miss watching SNL with you, our culture couch debriefs, and most of all distracting you from your work. It was so easy sometimes. Speaking of your work, it made my day to see you genuinely excited about a culture story coming out. You and your staff gave it your all when it came to profiling. I’m still waiting for my Culture Editor offer letter, but until then, I know it’s in great hands. You’ve left behind a work ethic and love for storytelling that still echoes in the culture section today and will continue to live on because of you. While we do need to work on those parking skills, I can’t wait to be back on the road with you. There’s so much to catch up on. I know you and JR. Mucus will kill it in management next year. Your love for the work you do and your constant want to help others will always be present. I now have to cast a spell on you so you wont forget me. Your time abroad sounds incredible, but it’s time to come back now. I miss you, friend. Au revoir. Laisse-les manger du gâteau! Pardon my French.

Lucía – Lucí, LSV. I remember the first Wednesday I worked in-house. It was duck night, so the music was blaring, people were constantly walking in and out of Vis, and there was more screaming than I was prepared for. I sat quietly in my corner, working on my graphic, feeling overwhelmed until you sat down next to me and said, “Hi. I’m Lucía.” And I, with my notable hearing abilities, replied, “Good. How are you?” Little did I know that moment would mark the beginning of one of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever had. Working with you this year has been nothing short of an adventure, and I leave our time together in-house with no regrets. Our dynamic is certainly unique, but it works for us. You brought the order, and I brought the disorder. I’ll miss hacking into your aux, and then you immediately taking it back. I’ll miss planning activities with you to normalize being social and designing together side-by-side. I’ll miss lore dropping with Chiefanie and spilling the tea on you. Like your literal, very hot tea. I don’t know what’s with me and spilling drinks. Sorry! Most of all, I’ll miss walking into Vis each day to see you and collaborating on ideas that made us both proud. You made that room feel like home. You have a way of grounding everyone around you while being one of the most giving people I know. You’d offer the shirt off your back without a second thought. The work you’ve done at the paper has been remarkable to see. No matter how late you stayed up finishing things, you never let stress show, and you somehow always made it to Sherry lunch the next day. Your attention to detail, reliability, love for design, and tireless dedication speak loudly. But even more than the work, your presence is what will leave a lasting mark on everyone. I’m so grateful we got to share this time in-house. These memories are something I’ll carry with me forever. It’s such a shame you can’t stick around to make more.

Cindy Zhang – The Digital Design Diva. My D.O. big since I can’t be your DSP little. Thank you for showing me the ways of the Mac and the Dek. I’ll always miss our chats about concerts, and your efforts to get me into whatever show you were bingeing. Most of all, I miss the way you’d light up and say “It’s beautiful!” every time I showed you a graphic. Thank you for always having my back when you were in-house and even after you left. Here’s to never having to work on a guide again. Let’s get sushi AND PHO soon.

Bridget Overby – Thank you for believing in me, trusting me, challenging me, teaching me, and continuing to mentor me after our time at the D.O. I miss the era when Bridget was (probably) yelling at someone (with love). You made Vis the heart of the house and fostered an environment where people could just be. I hope we get the chance to be in class together someday. Thank you for giving me The Daily Orange and everything that came with it.

To my family – Thank you for your unwavering support in everything I pursue. Your care means more than I can say. Mom, thank you for looking out for me as I walked home at 3 a.m. and for saving all of my work.

To the past, present, and future staff of The Daily Orange – Thank you for continually shaping the paper into what it is today. Each of you has helped make the D.O. a place that I’ve genuinely looked forward to every single day. If I could offer one piece of advice, it’s this: take your work seriously, but don’t take yourself too seriously. It’s a lot more fun that way.

Sorry, this is so long. I love walking and talking, if you couldn’t tell. Yeah D.O.!

Cross out.

Published on May 5, 2025 at 3:59 pm