From my first semester at SU, my relationship with The Daily Orange was a love/hate one; I knew I had to write in order to improve my craft but I wasn’t thrilled with the stories I was being assigned. True story: I once even daydreamed of locking in the editorial staff, cutting the building’s electricity and watching from across Ostrom Avenue as the staff ran around not knowing what to do. I’m actually kind of a twisted person beneath my smiling exterior. Go figure.

Since joining the staff halfway through my sophomore year, though, I’ve come a long way – as an editor, a writer and a person. My GPA might be lower now, but my appreciation for this establishment couldn’t be higher. And to think, I still have a year and a half left ahead of me of writing for the best college newspaper in the country and the best daily in Syracuse.

——-

Rob: You showed me that there was more to journalism than sports and you single-handedly refreshed my interest in writing. What a terrible friend. Oh, and let’s remember to keep joking about our career aspirations.

Dana: I know you’ve just been waiting for me to step out of your way. Well, it’s finally your turn. I know you’ll do great. It’s fun to have so much responsibility, or at least that’s what I told myself when things seemed bleak. Remember to enjoy it.

Terry: When frivolous drama got on my nerves, I turned to you. Thanks for pretending that I wasn’t on the wrong side of the argument as often as I probably was. If you ever do quit, let’s shotgun 20 beers. Maybe more.

Snowflake: Thanks for convincing me to go to lunch with you and that creepy townie at Carousel Mall that fateful day freshman year. And thanks for being one of my first friends at Syracuse.

Justin: Without your crazy antics, The D.O. wouldn’t be the same. From day one, it has been an absolute pleasure contributing to your paper. I know you didn’t always agree with some of my editorial decisions, but I appreciate your letting me sink or swim on my own.

Jean: You crazy, spunky, overbooked liberal. I should hate you. But somehow you always made me smile. Try to not spread yourself so thin any more – it’s not healthy.

Poster: I see a lot of myself in you, and I think other people do, too. Granted, you’re a far better writer than I was during my freshman year. Maybe that’s what scares people. Stay in touch.

Finley: Despite our differences, I always respected your talent. Sure, you’re funny – but you’re an even better writer.

Kilgore, Lieber and Becker: Sorry I dropped that swimming and diving story. And sorry I almost never sent in a story before 11. Knowing what I now know about the editing process, I never would have started them at 10, a mere three hours after deadline.

Licker and Gorman: Sports is in the hands of two very funny and capable assistants. Becker’s real lucky.

Chico: Every time we spoke, you always restored my faith in my writing. And for the writer I most respected at the paper to take even the slightest interest in me just blew me away. Thanks.

Jared: I know I’m a good designer; I just like hearing you say it. Thanks for boosting my ego – we both know I didn’t need it.

Leyla, Meg, Anne, Laney, Kristen and Mike: I look at the stuff you all put out each day and I can’t believe how gifted you are. Thanks for using your talents to make my stories look pretty. I hope I’m not as big a jerk as you make me out to be.

Gainor: I always thought you were crazy for taking that editorial job as a first-semester freshman. Now I understand that you weren’t.

Keeves: Keep snapping.

Elyse: Keep giggling.

Feature Staff Writers: You’re immense talent is finally shining through in your writing. Keep up the good work.

The Freshman Editors: The fact that your professionalism isn’t overcome by your age just boggles my mind. The Daily Orange is set for years to come.

Theta Chi: What kind of jerk puts his best friends on the backburner for an entire year? Thanks for being supportive and thanks for making me feel missed. For every memory we’ve had over the past two years, I know we’ve got a lifetime full of them ahead of us. Just promise you won’t get sick of me now that you’ve got what you’ve asked for.

——-

…it’s been one hell of a ride. Luckily for me, we’ve still got a few stops to make before we come to the end – you haven’t quite rid yourselves of me just yet. So thanks to all of you who made this past year so special.

(Wow, that sounded lame.)

-30-

Published on January 27, 2005 at 12:00 pm