The Daily Orange… How do you even explain what we do? We always joke that we never know how to explain it to people, but it’s true.

My freshman year I took COM 117 with Cole Ross, which is how we met. Our class didn’t get out until 9:30pm on Wednesdays, and I remember thinking, “why am I out this late on a Wednesday night.” Little did I know, this was just the beginning.

Serving one year as Design Editor and a year as Digital Design Director, I’ve worked with so many talented journalists and visual teams, making lifelong friends along the journey. After my two years at The Daily Orange, I have two main takeaways.

1. Stay curious, continue to look for ways to grow and do better
2. Working with people by your side will make the experience 22x better

You see, I told everyone I would only write a sentence for each person and while I try to keep to my word, sometimes rules are meant to be broken.

Griffin Uribe Brown:
We made it…. what a summer, fall and spring we had. Taking on the DDD position, I had only heard, “oh Griffin’s coming back,” “he’s great,” and “you’ll love working with Griffin.” Little did I know that was such an understatement. There is no one else I can imagine spending hours in-house, on slack or at Bird with. You’re the true epitome of how a journalist should act. Your confidence, drive, attention to detail, perseverance and use of voice stand out in not only what you write but also how you lead. When I was asked to be a part of reworking The D.O. social media, I didn’t know exactly what that was getting myself into, but with you, I would do it time and time again.

22K is a big number, but the memories and lessons learned are greater. Collaboratively we’ve defined The D.O.’s Instagram brand leaving a foundation for the digital and design process. Colors, gradients and templates…Benton Sans, Source Serif 4 Bold Font, the Instagram is established. Aside from numbers and stats achieved, I think back to our partnership of continuously reworking graphics and carousels as I dodge the noodle fidget you’re always swinging around. Between your brainrot, AP style corrections and constant search for your airpods or water bottle, it’s never a dull moment. You have taught me… 1) Never settle 2) Speak for what you believe. Because of this, we’ve developed so many mediocre concepts into really cool and engaging graphics.

Sophia Burke | Senior Staff Designer

There is so much more that I can say about our partnership, but just know it has truly been a privilege to work with you, and one day we’ll get that beer. Until then, I’ll be awaiting your debut Politico byline.

Cole Ross:
There are endless things I could say about you, but let me start with this… you’re my king, my Shayla and one of my best friends — thank you for “tricking” me into applying. Your mark on The D.O. is not concluded by your departure from the house, but a legacy of transforming the house’s culture. As a friend beyond the doors of 230 Euclid, I love your quippy remarks, diva-ness and pettiness. Glorilla, Hozier, Lorde… whose concert are we blessing with our presence next? Although I forced you to do Soup Story with me, I couldn’t have done it with anyone else. Who knew we would spend eight hours making soup… at least you now have shots for your hand modeling career. Thank you for entrusting me with DDD, your talent and ability to lead left big shoes to fill, I hope I made you proud. Your eye for design is admirable, please pay for my botox when you’re rich. Don’t be a stranger.

Sophia Burke | Senior Staff Designer

Ilana Zahavy:
Genuinely, I can’t believe we’re at the end. Two years ago, I would have never known the importance you’d have in my life. You light up every room you’re in, and I am so honored to have experienced The D.O. with you. Truly an extraordinary designer, but an even better friend. With you, I never had to say much, but you always understood. Sushi burritos for life, please can we get some next year. There are so many stories we could debrief- white lies party, formal, coltraviolence… but I will always remember our Southampton travels and our last moments of peace before becoming head editors #takemeback. The house never felt empty with you there. You’re so hardworking and strong, I know you’re going to do big things and make an impact, you already have. Six guides, countless hours… we did it Ilana.

Cindy Zhang:
As a design editor, you were always referred to as “the DDD before Cole,” and a little scary. It wasn’t until running into you at the makerspace that I finally had a face to the name. Since then, it was like an instant connection. While we never actually worked together in house, you’re truly my mother in our DDD “lineage.” You always know where to eat or what to try next… except I stand by the fact, New Century over Mr. Pho. You’re basically a NYC native, always wearing your wired headphones and making ceramics. Your creative vision is unmatched, and I am always sat for your passionate rants or attempts to persuade me. I see a lot of myself in you, so to those who think that Cindy is scary, you probably thought I was, too. I could go on and on but words cannot express the impact that you’ve had on me in just a short amount of time. I am so deeply sad with the fact that you’re graduating and leaving me. But rest assured, I’ll be visiting you no matter where you end up.

James Hoagland:
Hey James. From OP editor to DME, you’ve brought an empathetic presence that the world so deeply needs. Thank you for listening to my random and elaborate descriptions of my chaotic day in life. I’ve enjoyed our conversations and getting to know you over the semester. While I gave you a hard time for it at first, I am glad we made the two-line templates, it was the right move. Continue working toward change, being different and standing out. I am looking forward to seeing how you grow 830. It’s been great to work closely with you, see you around next year, good kid.

Joe Zhao:
JOEEEE. You’re literally my savior. Whether it was the first month of my time as DDD when we didn’t have any designers yet, or my struggles through Chinese class, you always offered a helping hand. Your talent spans photo and video, design and illustration… you truly are the Adobe master. You could always turn the complicated dig pitches into surreal artwork…. Canadian Hulk, Steve Angeli Jersey Road Trip to name a few of my favorites. I have enjoyed our various food and side quest adventures, hopefully more when I will visit you in Shanghai someday.

Katie Crews:
Thank you so much for walking into The D.O., you were the perfect co-director to work with. Our simultaneous crashouts but always showing up defines why we were the perfect pair for the job. While I know The D.O. was a lot to take on, you stepped into the DDD role more than I could have asked. Your “yes” mentality is going to get you so far, you’re the definition of work hard, play hard. Architecture, soccer, interning, going out and The D.O., genuinely I don’t know how you do it all, but I hope now you can get some sleep. Enjoy the summer and abroad, please catch up with me sometime next year.

Ilyan Sarech:
Genuinely Ilyan, I don’t know how you found The D.O., but I am so glad you did. You’re so talented and funny, I wish you were staying at Syracuse longer. I have enjoyed hearing about your French insights and travels within and around the U.S. I will forever remember you making Tik Toks at the last duck night, trying to explain the “meow meow” song and your soccer reference game (that I still don’t understand) with Quinn. It’s been a pleasure working with you, good luck with your constant travels and trying to get that masters in Chile.

Zoey Grimes:
You’re such a talented and creative designer. Thank you for always being reliable and trustworthy, I always knew you would show up when we needed you. I’ve really enjoyed watching you grow this past year. Your skill and dedication doesn’t go unnoticed. I am excited for you to continue making awesome stuff. I hope you enjoy your dance troupe next semester, don’t be a stranger.

Lily Wilkin:
Lily, you’re the definition of always down. You are such a kind, dependable and creative designer. Thank you for supplying the house of more Jolly Ranchers, I hope you continue the legacy. I am so comforted to know that the design section gets to keep you another semester, I look forward to seeing what other creative work you make.

Abby Aggarwala:
You’re genuinely such a detail-oriented, skilled, and dedicated designer, I feel so safe handing the DDD reins off to you. I can already tell you’re going to continue to grow the digital design section, and I am excited to see what you continue to do. Although I have only briefly gotten to know you this semester, you are so willing and kind. Please always feel free to reach out whenever needed, I’ll be sure to visit in house. I cannot wait to continue to see your talent shine.

Addie Guan:
Ugh Addie, you’re genuinely such a sweet and kind person. You make everyone feel seen and like they have a place. I am excited to see what you do as PD next semester and the design room will be so full with your smile. Please get coffee with me, I love your random updates.

Sophia Burke | Senior Staff Designer

Henry Daley and Quinn Postman:
Henry…a major freak with them dig pitches. Quinn…Sombr, and please don’t own pets. I really enjoyed getting to know you both over the fall semester inside and out of the dig room. You’re both so skilled, considerate and detailed with your writing and work. Hanging out with you guys in the dig room truly made The D.O. house feel like a home. Workshopping sports graphics, teaching you both to use Illustrator and late nights at bird (the ramen debacle) will be fond memories I carry past college with a smile. Quinn, congrats on DME, I know the dig section is being left in good hands. Henry, your wealth of knowledge between all sections, I’m waiting to see where you go next…design? It’s a shame you both went away in the spring, but I stand on if our friendship doesn’t last outside our time at The D.O., then we weren’t that close of friends…so please stay in touch.

Charlotte Price:
Charlotte, you’re so hard working and meticulous, I aspire to have your level of vocabulary one day. This past semester I thoroughly enjoyed bonding with you over the trials and tribulations of life and college. Thank you for always bringing us your extra snacks and goodies, I’ll miss hearing you talk, while the rest of us give you minutes delayed responses.

Claire Zhang:
I swear you just spawned in the house. Claire, you have such a positive aura that I just knew I wanted to become friends with you. You’re so kind and hard working, the SME role is being filled by someone great. I saw your dedication shine through when I would also see you pop up in Bird at the same awful hours I was there, too. With you, The D.O. will always have satisfying Needohs and slimes.

Sophia Burke | Senior Staff Designer

Kendall Luther and Rose Boehm
The success of the year is a reflection of your strong leadership and guidance ensuring all feel seen and considered. Thank you for trusting me with the DDD position and changing the templates. Without you guys, we wouldn’t have gotten the ball rolling. You are both an inspiration to what management should look like, leading with smiles and intention.

Lucía Santoro-Velez:
Lucía, over the years I’ve loved our growing friendship. Coming into the D.O., you offered a sense of calm to the chaos of a production night. You’re the definition of kindness, always offering help and with open arms. I have thoroughly enjoyed our travels to and from Maryland, sharing stories from our various experiences. To life outside The D.O., I look forward to our coffee chats and random catchups.

Chloe Fox Rinka:
To one of my first friends on campus, I am so thankful to have shared The D.O. experience with you. Although in different sections, knowing you were right there, a friendly face to visit, provided me with great comfort. Between our long awaited catchups and lore drops, there was always an update to be had. You’re so hardworking, always matching my must-needed late night study sessions. I can always depend on you to go energy drink for energy drink. Just know I so deeply appreciate you Chloe Fox Rinka. See you senior year beyond The D.O., maybe in LA…but as always, stay weird and stay you.

Lily Zukerman:
THE ZUCK. Hey girl. Throughout our time at The D.O., it has been great to see our differing paths form. Whether a random anecdote or your reveal of a random connection, everyone knows chances are Lily Zukerman is who you need to get in touch with. Your friendly face and smile is something I value so much about you. We have to get Pho some more next year, save me time in your calendar. You bring such a unique perspective to culture that I look forward to seeing more of what you do.

Shivika Gupta:
Shivika, you’re a kind person who I knew I could always spark a conversation with. Over the summer into my DDD semester, you were always reliable. Thank you for always being one message away, no matter what. I am glad our friendship goes beyond 230 Euclid.

Tara:
Since the summer, your graphic pitches have always been spectacular. You are the definition of understanding how to pitch. Your care and all encompassing culture knowledge is remarkable. Continue to write dope things, I’ll look out for them 😉

Dakota Dorsey, Hailey Hoang:
Everyday working in house as a design editor, I was always excited to know I was working with either of you. Sharing many laughs and side eyes are memories I carry with me.

Flynn & Hannah Mesa:
Such skilled illustrators, the work you both create genuinely amazes me. I will always remember the vis room with you both in it.

Mia Jones:
Walking into the culture section and seeing you was always a breath of fresh air. Your outfits always ate, but your driven ethic and dedication is even more admirable. I’ve appreciated our friendship, please stay in touch post grad.

Lars Jendruschewitz, Solange Jain, Leonardo Eriman, and Ave Magee:
My random conversations with PE will always be a highlight to walking in the vis room. An underappreciated section, producing over achieving results. I truly believe you guys are the backbone to vis, and I thank you all for the time you take to make print and dig look as good as it does. You all are so talented and high achieving, congrats on making it through The D.O.

Delia Rangel:
Your smile is contagious, I look forward to seeing what you do as EIC.

Noah Nussbaum:
Stay sassy and hardworking, Mr. ME.

Layla Poli:
Your graphic pitches and ice breaker responses were always so thoughtful, I truly think that’s a reflection of you.

Mauricio Palmar, Harrison Pemberton and Jordan Kimball:
You three are the energy the sports room needed. Fantastic and diligent writers. Mauricio, thank you for doing the lush life dance. Harris, just stay you. Jordan, keep smiling, you’ll do great things as sports editor. I can’t wait to see where you all go, keep going to dig meetings.

Will Chadwick:
Thank you for the 1lb bag of blue raspberry jolly ranchers. This attention to detail and your kindness shines through your presence in the house. Opinion is in great hands as you lead next semester.

Sophia Burke | Senior Staff Designer

Adil and David:
Get ready for the ice breaker question.

Davis Hood:
Favorite cup pong partner.

Sid:
Please do not fart on me again.

Cooper Andrews, Justin Girshon, Aiden Stepansky, Zak Wolf:
“Empathy is the medicine the world needs” — Judith Orloff. It was nice to meet you guys and good luck.

Lastly, thank you to my friends and family who have supported me through the late nights and long hours. Sorry mom and dad for always walking back at late hours instead of taking the safety shuttle. Thank you Shelsea for opening the door on the nights I forgot my keys. Goodbye 230 Euclid.

Published on May 1, 2026 at 10:39 pm