1201 days, 119 people, 24 quitters, four hospital trips, three slaps in the face, two bloody eyes, a sprained ankle and maybe $5 later, my time at The Daily Orange is finally over. While I probably spent too much time in this God-forsaken hellhole, I still wouldn’t take back a second of it. Actually, I could do without Election Night 2012. But you get the point.

Yet in all that time, I never really learned to write well. Fortunately I work with a bunch of people who do. So here’s to all of you who have or will continue to inspire me in my journalism career, labeled with the very headlines you all wrote.

Becca: Two good: Peyton and Marvin. Papi and Manny. Stockton and Malone. Keenan and Kel. Becca and Ankur. Man, we sure did kick some ass at The D.O. On staff for four semesters and in cahoots for another two, you taught me so much in my time here and shaped me into the designer I am now. I can’t even imagine where I’d be right now if it were anyone else sitting in that PD chair way back when. I loved every second. Every pen-dropping, bean burger eating, ballin’, designin’, lulzin’, LSC auditorium, catch-having second. But what I enjoy the most is the fact that it’s not over. It’s just beginning.

Marwa: Weathering the storm: Not many people could make me look back at a time when my eyes were bleeding and say it was a good semester. Our chats helped keep me sane, or as close to it as I could be. We kicked some serious ass and hopefully got people to pick up the paper. There’s no else I’d have rather grown cynical with.

Chelsea: Shut down: Get it? Like our show was about 30 times. Yet no matter how many obstacles (like Plucky) exist, Slumpy and the Bear always prevail. Most of that is because of your unstoppable wit and appreciation for fartin’ around. THE. ENITRE. BOX.

Iseman: Class act. I called you the man, the myth, the legend for a reason. Thank you for putting up with my shenanigans, which paled in comparison to Ruehl and Channes’. Best of luck in the future; I’ll always be right there with you on the peloton.

Erik: See you at Chuck’s. Old franchises don’t die, they just fade away. I won’t lie, I was nervous heading into junior year. But hanging on the couch playing Madden with you was the best way to take study breaks/Carson Fender cult of personality. We have one semester left. It’s time for Jamario and Tom to hit the town.

Bre: I spy. In spring 2011 you were that random staff writer Michael Boren racially profiled. Almost instantly you became one of the coolest people in house and one of my favorite people to work with. Whether it is dealing with my spring 2012 newsroom hijinks or telling us how many people read “Rolling in,” you’ve been missed on staff. But we have one more semester, so here’s to Chuck’s and peanut butter. Seriously. Say the word and your squirrel problem will be no more.

Drinking fountain: Staying above water. You were there in my darkest hours. I’ll always maintain you’re the best water in Syracuse, and certainly the cleanest. I can’t take you with me on my adventures, but I’ll never forget your delicious flavor and perfect temperature. Because I’ll be dropping by next week with a few water drums to fill.

Dr. Browne: Proving Ground. You provided a floor where I could confidently say whatever I needed to. Writing is so much more than I ever thought. Through the writing you inspired me to do, I was able to look into my own life in ways I never thought possible. Meticulously editing every sentence also meant meticulously going over those moments that inspired them. You had a huge effect on mine and everyone else’s lives and I’ll never forget it.

Jesse: Their game. I can’t believe you used to be that random kid in Writing 114 reading The D.O. It really sucks we couldn’t have worked together longer, but we kicked ass this semester. And there’s still a future. The doctor is in.

Debbie: Truth be told. I don’t remember saying it would be a hell of a semester, but I guess that’s my fault for drinking at work. Nowadays, half the reason I look forward to breaks is that we get to hang out and reminisce for the old break crew. If only we still had a key.

Klinger: Sorry for partying. Flick. My. Bean. YEAHHHH!!!!! Keep up the hilarity and don’t ever let the house get too dull. Otherwise, what’s the point?

Mark: My show was a revolution. That board meeting has forever changed my approach to design. You were the perfect partner in crime when we decided to go big and take risks. Not many people would’ve had the courage you did to take some of the gambles we did. They didn’t all work out, but man, what a ride it was. #mutombosavestheworld

Jon: Last glance. Hey Kobe, tell me how my ass tastes. Seriously though, great time playing basketball and making fat jokes about you and Beckie. And I think somewhere in there we worked together.

Meredith: A voice that echoed. Don’t worry about never getting a nickname. It just means I didn’t feel the need to break the ice with a silly nickname because you fit in here immediately. Merediths have a rich history here at The D.O., and you lived up to that and then some.

Professor Grimes: Collective effort. I don’t write much anymore, but never doubt that your lessons and guidance continue to help every day. I can pinpoint much of my improvement over the years to learning more about writing and reporting in fall 2011. I would encourage any journalist, visual or written, to understand the “other side.”

Orange County design team: A tale of two cities. Sorry I can’t make it out this winter, but I really miss you guys. You put up with my constant CCI questions (the most important one: When are we ditching CCI?) and my extreme lack of OC knowledge. Also, Cindy, you really stink at pingpong.

Propper: Legendary company. Few people, if any, get pumped up for a game by listening to interviews. Such is the legend of David Propper: the random staff writer who hangs around after he’s done and you don’t know why the fuck he’s still there. Then all of a sudden he’s one of the group and providing constant hilarity. Then he’s gone.

Lizzie: Next wave. I have plenty of horror stories from being PD (remember that time six designers quit in one semester?), but one bright spot is that you were there with me the whole time. You’ve made the paper look amazing. I hope I didn’t step on your toes too much. Don’t forget me when you’re famous.

Casey: Bittersweet. Goodbye, Peach! That nickname is more than just a cute word I gave you to sound nice. If things ever get heated or if this place is just too much, remember two things: You’re a peach, and everyone loves peaches. And I will only truly have left this paper when none here are loyal to me. Help will always be given at The D.O. to those who ask for it.

RacMar: The aftermath. I wish you could’ve stayed in-house longer, but the time you did spend here was a blast. I’m so happy you’re living the dream at ESPN. And that you’ve found someone to walk you home, assuming you live less than a block away.

Dara: Tough to define. I miss my freshman year, when you’d give me a ride home and we’d talk about whatever happened that night. Unfortunately, EIC is a demanding position that ate up a little of your free time.

Seegz: Possessed and unimpressed. As numerous your complaints (and mine) were, you gotta admit it was a blast. It would’ve been way more boring if SA was actually good.

Liz: Grin and bear it. You weren’t the only one having a rough time that spring, and our drunken rants practically saved my life. You also saved my shoulders.

Rachael: Eye for an eye. When you transitioned I had no idea what a hilarious and violent person you’d be. Remember that time you hit me with your car? My femur will never forget. Though I think your claims of being able to pick me up by the legs and swing me around the room were lofty at best, it’s not too late for anarchy.

Bouv: Hometown heroes. I still get that feeling when people say, “can’t wait to get out of Syracuse for break.” Of course I do, too, but at least Syracuse has…uh…shoveling?

Maddy: Stainless steal. Don’t worry about it. It’s a sports thing. Which really was the easiest way of explaining about half of the discussion between sports and everyone else. But I always respected how you took it one level further.

Maggie/Annie: Youthful energy. You kids need to listen to adults more. When Meredith’s not around, I’m in charge. Check the policy manual.

Jess: Eyeing London. I still can’t believe you left us for London. But you’ll be back. They always come back. I mean, not really, but you know. Come back.

Kristin: Sunny side up. Remember how I hadn’t heard your actual voice for months? I’d say I’m sorry for that, but I’m not. It means for a few months I heard nothing but that fun chirpy (chirpy?) Kristin, even if I could never match that enthusiasm. The future’s bright for you. Hopefully that future includes a pet duck.

Avery: Pursuit of Hoppiness. Thanks for putting up with the pony hiding. Someday in the distant future a D.O. staff member will uncover it and it will all start again. Think those French kids uncovering Jumanji.

Amrita: #strategy. You handled ME so well in a semester with the two biggest news stories we’ll ever see (for now). I thought I saw your best, but then you revolutionized the way The D.O. handles social media. Can you do any wrong? #samosa

Danielle: Artfully done. A lot of people remember your amazing sense of style. I, however, remember your appreciation of Winnie the Pooh. Winnie the Pooh. Tubby little tummy all stuffed with fluff he’s Winnie the Pooh, Winnie the Pooh, silly willy nilly old bear.

Anna/Samar: Changing course. I know I outwardly despise both of you. But now that I never have to see you again, I can say you’re both really awesome and I’ll miss working with you.

Micah: Slap my balls. OK, so maybe that one wasn’t actually a mac. I hope. But it was that moment where I knew just how awesome you were and how much fun it was hanging out in featch.

Emmett: In his shoes. Two Ms, two Ts, two Gs, two Ts. Yeah, I wrote your credits way too often. But each one accompanied a fantastic illo that was better than the last. Your wonderful LAX guide illo paved the way for expanded use of illustration at The D.O. So Andy’s wrist might not appreciate it, but I do.

Brett: Trouble brewing. I’ve said it before. You were my greatest enemy. Also, sorry about those couple of times I almost killed you. Also, this one time I brought a peanut butter sandwich with me while designing sports without thinking. But you were in budget as I ate it so I guess it all worked out in the end.

Beth: To the edge. You pushed me to the limit (bear claws), but in the end I think I needed that (the push, not the bear claws). You also made #shootme a palatable class.

Treds: Forth grade. Building a kickball dynasty was just part of the endless mishaps and whacky adventures that sum up the year you spent at The D.O. #nation4ever

Laurence: Calling out. It’s been a lot weirder than I realized not having you in the house. There are no more woodland critters, unless you count the homeless people that wander in.

Stephen: To the House. I still can’t believe we went to Vegas on a whim. It got cut short, but not many people would’ve done it to begin with. That pretty much encompasses why I respect you: You take a real risk. I can’t wait to see what you do next semester. And beyond.

Wilson: Barely (Shaz) Bagels. We made it through ‘Nam! Sort of. You did a great job stepping up when we needed you to, both on and off the court. We’ll hit the court hard in preparation for media cup. But until then, see ya!

Kathleen K: Closing a chapter. Delta Omega just isn’t the same. Thanks for hearing my many complaints and sharing in the Spring Break fun. I really hope our paths cross again.

Ryne: Rallying cry. We never did hear yours until media cup. You made it rain 3s and stories and never wavered in your stone-cold demeanor. Or your bean prices. Seriously, huge rip off.

Cohen: Rapper’s delight. You’re an asshole. And don’t ever change.

Tony: Blocked party. My first D.O. party at your place didn’t end so well (squalapalooza is the best name ever by the way). But it was the organic birth of a great time at The D.O.

Joe: Walking tall. I tried with the Fantana nickname, and hopefully that made you feel part of the team. And if that drawing doesn’t end up in a ritzy auction I’m blaming you.

AJ: Same pittfalls. Get it? Because you’re from Pittsburgh? Seriously though, I never saw someone grow as much as you did that spring. Now if you’d just pick up your fucking phone

Stephanie Lin: Zooming in. We all have that one page we’re really proud of, and yours is one of the best. But what it couldn’t say is how reliable you’ve been. I gave you a freakin’ table for front page art and you made it great.

Jenna: Is this hell? No, it’s Iowa. I almost leaped out of my chair when I found out you were going to come back as a designer. Mostly because of the brilliant high fives. But I guess you’re an OK designer who may have saved my ass on a few occasions.

Louie: Rise to the top. I remember you visited us and talked about how working here put you in a position to turn down job offers. As a freshman learning the news design ropes, part of me hated working the same nights as you. It made it that much harder to stand out. But getting to see your thought process every night at design meeting was more than worth it.

Allen: Lost in translation. You were misunderstood in your short time here, which is a shame because you had possibly the best fake designs I’ve ever seen. Hiking with you and Mark was certainly an experience. Don’t kick a cactus. Seriously.

Berube: Working on a dream. For all the things I’ve said, at least know when you first started you helped out a ton when I almost didn’t have a staff.

Michelle: Roll with it. I hired you after a designer quit. I told you to take a couple of days to think about it, but you said you were sure you wanted to do it. That enthusiasm hasn’t gone anywhere since, whether it’s in social media or your Michigan Wolverines. Fab Five forever!

Cheryl: Rising influence. I’ve always hated you. I hated how you were a master of copy and then flawlessly moved to design. I can hardly get up without a struggle.

Colleen: Long time coming. It was great having another freshman around in that scary place that was The D.O. freshman year. Even though it didn’t end how we envisioned it, I’m glad you were on staff for so long. I’d wish you luck in the future, but you don’t need it.

Alfred: In the name of justice. You need to calm the fuck down. Actually, no. You’re the funniest thing going in a house that, quite frankly, is hugely lacking in entertainment. If anything, get crazier. You’ll be in feature next semester. Act like it.

Lindsay: Against the wind. Glad that whole Lindsay name confusion thing was sorted out. I admire how you’ve grown from sharing someone else’s name and being the “other roommate” to, well, Lindsay.

Clare/Mara/Chloe: Taking the lead. It’s really cool to see you guys as the next generation of designers because you’re all great. It’s easy to tell you all put heart and soul into this paper and have put out some great designs to show for it. But you’re the veterans now. Make me proud! Or else get ready for mean alumni emails.

Trevor: Shocker. I had no idea you could recite Afroman lyrics damn near effortlessly, and that to me was your breakout moment. Just keep nailing those threes damn near effortlessly and the future is bright.

Phil: Compelling in its ordinariness. I didn’t see enough energy during those intros, but I could tell you approved which was good enough for me. Number 2.

Katie: Return of the mac. Long after the design boners and sharts and Brett are gone, your influence over this place remains. I remember my first few nights being amazed at how much you knew and how confident you were.

Kathleen R: The right way. Your leadership abilities are unrivaled. I’m not alone in saying I respect you immensely. GOML.

Beckie: Rising in the East. You know, because you moved out east. Also, you’re as big as the sun.

Meghin: FINE FIRED. You made me feel like less of a human being during edit board, but it’s (mostly) because of your unwavering passion. Beneath that rough exterior lies a decent person…and an even more decent friend. But not a designer.

Chase: Building a dynasty. If I had to pick an MVP from my entire time here, it’s not even close. You did what pretty much everyone thought was impossible: rebuild the photo staff. Staying as long as you have means the people working for you have longer to improve their craft before they go into editor positions. You’re so easy to work with and I can’t wait to see what you do as ME. But you’re still a racist dickhead.

Sam: Soldiering on. Take the foundation Chase built and make it something even greater. You might just be the best shooter on this campus, but what you’re doing next semester means so much more. And there’s no one else I’d trust more.

Luke: Cash flow. Don’t worry about the troublesome start. You helped me tremendously. Just don’t forget me when you’re rich and famous. An order of Number 1 Kitchen sent to my estate every week will suffice.

Brandon/Andrew: In a flash. Before your untimely demises, it was great having you guys around. I hope your experiences here taught you as much as they taught me.

Stacie/Lauren/Kristen: Out of the darkness. You three deserve a hell of a lot more respect than most people think. Without much D.O. experience you three had to deal with both the whiniest bunch of photographers and me. You took the photo staff out of the wilderness and managed to serve up solid art day in and day out. Not great secretaries though.

Pete: Ale to the chief. When I heard there’s a general manager at The D.O., I figured it was some stuffy old guy who would brush me off when I met him. Boy was I wrong. I guess seeing the name “Waack” could have been foreshadowing. Long story short, you’re the fuckin’ man.

BO-5: Back to the future. Sorry I couldn’t be around as much as I wanted to because of The D.O. But you helped give me possibly the best year of my life. You guys are all awesome. Except Brianne, who I’m assuming was the poopetrator.

Eve: Endless love. I know I said I wouldn’t. I tried not to. But I think in the end we all knew this was coming. Eve, will you marry m—oh wait. You’re graduating this winter. Well never mind then. Forget I said anything.

947 Lancaster: Rejuvenated. Get ready for a wild spring. I’ve never tried this whole “not working at The D.O.” thing, so I’m not sure how this is going to go. Just get ready to drink and watch basketball. Brendan can clean up afterward.

Mom, Ajantha, Anvita: On a high note. I’ll finally have more time to call and talk to you guys. With any luck I’ll have a job this summer, which unfortunately means I likely won’t be near you guys, but that’s OK. Still keep your couch free though, might need a place to crash. Just for a day or two. I swear.

Audriana: Welcome to the new age. It really does hurt not seeing your for months and coming back to find an entirely different person laying, crawling and eventually standing in front of me. But I know you probably don’t need me there for any of it. All I do anyway is take all the random things you hand to me. Which is more of a job than people realize. And since you can’t read this, I’ve drank at least half of your apple juice.

Have a nice day,

Ankur

Published on December 5, 2013 at 5:00 am