The first time I walked through the doors of 744 Ostrom, I was in complete awe at how much talent, passion and spirit was in that house. I’m still in awe when I walk in during production even now. I could never imagine how much that rickety old building, and everyone in it, would mean to me almost two years later. I can’t believe I got to be a part of something this special. I’m an infinitely better person because of this paper.

Fortier: You were one of my first impressions of The D.O., and it was a good one. You can tell a story like no one else I know, and you’ve never shied away from a chance to help young reporters. Keep crushing it at WaPo.

Alexa Díaz: Your confidence in me has always meant the world. I was so overwhelmed when I started in-house, but you went out of your way to make sure I had whatever I needed to succeed. Thank you for pushing me as a writer, reporter and editor and for helping me believe in myself.

Kathryn and Sara: You’re two of the people I looked up to most when I came into house. Your encouragement meant so much, and still does. Recess on me next time you’re in town.

Ally Moreo: Nothing can perk me up like hearing your laugh. Not only can you capture the most beautiful moments, every moment I’ve spent with you has been a meaningful one. Can’t wait for our next spontaneous adventure.

Guti: I don’t know what I did to deserve you as my hype man, but I appreciate it more than you know. You have so much to offer the world as a journalist and beyond. Let’s catch up over a Kubal coffee soon.

Alexa Torrens: Hi sissy! No matter how chaotic of a day I was having when I came into production, I always felt better knowing you were there for me, not just as ME, but as a friend. That’s continued far outside 744, and for that I am so grateful. My couch is open and waiting for your next 315 visit.

Danny: As much as I poked fun at you all fall ‘18, you really are a wealth of knowledge. You know what you want and go after it, and you’re going to kill it at BI.

Mary: Thanks for always laughing at the dumb jokes I made when I was overtired in the newsroom, and for taking my weird graphics pitches and somehow working with them. Also, Moe says hey.

India: You’re the GOAT. I’m sorry, that joke was too easy. But really, you lead by example and you don’t shy away from a challenge. Keep after it.

Leffert: When you forgave me after the…unfortunate events of spring ‘18 Battle, I knew I had a friend in you. You call it like it is, you give me a run for my money on who can be the loudest and there’s rarely a dull moment when we’re in the same room. Let’s yeehaw it up in Texas this summer.

Kennedy: I adore you, you goofy, compassionate, fun-loving bean. Let’s eat a fancy dinner in another country again.

Myelle: I’m glad I got over my fear of you. Thanks for the FaceTime rants, career advice, TMI stories and every other moment we’ve shared in the last year. Here’s to many more.

Ali: Some of my favorite memories from spring ‘18 are times I spent with you. Hope you’re living it up in New Zealand.

Sam: Bro! Whether we’re bonding over small-town stuff or sitting in my kitchen talking about what we want out of life, I learn something from every conversation we have. With your charisma, your sharp judgment and your wit, there’s nothing you can’t do. Let’s adventure some more once we’re out of house.

Kai: It took awhile for us to understand each other last spring, but I’m glad we got past that. You had my back then and you do now, from goofing around in the photo studio for a project to figuring out the meaning of life on your rooftop. You’re a heckin’ good one, fren.

Kelsey: You’ve got the biggest heart of anyone I know, and it shows in every word of every story you write. Thank you for being such a dependable and calming force in my life from the second we met. Wherever you go next, they’ll be lucky to have you.

Graham: From rounding up the head ed crew and distracting everyone during production to demolishing an entire apple crisp on your porch, I’m always in a better mood after we get up to some shenanigans. To 44 pages, spaghetti squash and that table I left at your apartment for a semester.

Lydia: No matter how hard we try, my girl, I’m not sure we’ll ever understand each other, and that’s okay. You are so fiercely your own person and I’ll always admire that. I’m glad our paths crossed, because you’ve taught me a lot about myself.

Sandhya: Even in the middle of the craziest production nights, hearing you call “Col” from across the room always put a smile on my face. You are so genuine and so kind. I have a feeling we’re going to end up having many more adventures in different cities together.

Caroline: One of my greatest accomplishments as feature editor was getting my loudness to rub off on you. We’ve had some high-quality life chats in and out of 744, and you somehow completely get me. Keep a couch made up for me next year, because I’m definitely inviting myself to come hang with you in Germany.

Taylor: Whatever I need, whenever I need it, I know I can count on you, in or out of the newsroom. You’re a gem. One of these days, I’ll turn you into an elite swimmer – but only if we can eat quinoa together post-workout.

Haley R.: From the second you walked into the house for your interview, I knew The D.O. had gotten lucky. I, of course, am even luckier to have you in my circle. You find and share stories with such ease and grace, and I see so much of myself in you. Can’t wait to come visit you in your corner office at your dream job someday.

Satoshi: When I started as digital copy chief I had no idea what I was doing, yet I never worried because I had you to show me the ropes. You did that and so much more, my friend. We’ll always have each other’s backs, even a few time zones away.

Brooke: I still remember us editing your first Pulp A1 together. Look how much you’ve grown! You are so headstrong and so loyal, and I wouldn’t trade you – or our weird storytime sessions – for the world. Come over for pasta soon.

Haley K.: You improve the lives of everyone you touch, me included. One of these days we’ll get around to making all the recipes in those Tasty videos. Until then, let’s find more elevated surfaces.

Jordan: We’ve really had our moments, haven’t we? Despite all the times I probably made your life difficult, you’ve helped me grow so much. Your abilities as an editor, reporter and writer are so far beyond your years, but even more valuable than that is your ability to forgive. Thank you for seeing the best in me when I haven’t always seen it in myself. Monday breakfast?

Casey: Hello? *insert weird sound effect* You’re one of few people on this planet that can spend entire days with me and not go nuts. You are so compassionate, capable and driven, and you’re a fierce, fierce friend. I’ve loved watching you come into your own as a reporter and can’t wait to see what you do next as NE.

Stacy: My experience at SU wouldn’t be nearly the same without you. Thank you for finishing my sentences, matching my volume, putting me onto the best music and helping me figure out who I am. You’re going to change the world, my sunshine queen, and I’ll be there cheering you on while you do it.

Nat: In such a short time, you became the best friend I’ve ever had. I’m glad we gravitated towards each other at that fall open house, and I’m so proud of how far you’ve come since then. You’ve got a lifelong companion in me.

Mom and Dad: Thank you for feeding a bunch of hungry, tired journalists and dragging Hunter with you to 744 on numerous occasions, and thank you for supporting this crazy career path I’m about to attempt. I could ask for no two greater best friends in this life.

Megan: You didn’t think you wouldn’t make it in this duck, did you? Thanks for being my biggest fan. This’ll be a nice addition to the scrapbook.

 

Published on April 29, 2019 at 4:52 am

Contact Colleen: cefergus@syr.edu | @ColleenEFergus2