On a whim, without ever writing a story for The Daily Orange, I figured I would apply to be an assistant copy editor. After stumbling through an interview and handing in a damp resume — it snowed that day — I figured I would never get the job. Three semesters later I’m leaving 744 Ostrom Avenue, and it’s a bittersweet experience.

The Daily Orange reaffirmed my interest in journalism and gave me incredible opportunities to grow as a writer and reporter. For that, I am thankful.

To anyone I have left out: There may not have been space in this duck for you, but there will always be space in my memories of The DO. Thanks for the great times.

Alex E.: The freshman phenom in Pulp this semester, glad to know that you want to continue working at The D.O. Remember Snoop Dogg, with two Gs.

Nikeya: “You don’t have the answers Sway.” Thanks for always bringing a positive, upbeat attitude to the office this semester.

Jackie: Our fearless leader in Pulp, even if “Pirates of the Caribbean 3” is your favorite movie. You took on a lot as feature editor and I was proud to be a part of the section. Enjoy your time off from working in house.

Clare: Do we have A2’s for next week? It was great working with you this semester and I’m excited for where you will take the section. Pulp needed a leader and you stepped up, be proud of that. Also, have you heard of this thing called Venmo?

Erik: The other half of the comeback crew last spring. You were a blast to work with and the 95 grievances was an unforgettable moment in the history of shirking work at The D.O.

Brett: Thanks for the induction into the nice person club. You take on more work at The D.O. than most, but always find time to joke about human rights violations in Honduras. No matter who wins the mac competition, you’re going to kill it as news editor.

Sam: The multiple times you induced an outburst from Hans and drove him to yell f*ck in class were some of my favorite moments of the semester. I should also thank you for being included in the nice person club.

Klinger: I enjoyed our veteran water-cooler talks this semester. You’re a hilarious guy and bring a great energy to work with you every day.

Audrey: “I’m going to the market do you want anything?” From Boland, to Oktoberfest, to The Daily Orange, it’s been a great run. Thanks for catching all of my typos in cutlines this semester, but more importantly thanks for being such a great friend throughout my four years at Syracuse.

Casey: Thank you for hiring me — twice. Even though I had never written a story for The D.O. you welcomed me into the newsroom, then as EIC, you welcomed me back. I don’t think I’ve ever made it clear to you before this how grateful I am for that.

Lara: Thank you for assigning me to write about murder mystery dinners, I consider it my big break to this day. But seriously, thanks for hiring me for Pulp. The paper is in good hands with you in charge.

Meredith: I don’t know how you manage it all. Terrible puns aside, you have put so much work into making this paper as good as it is today, and you should be duly proud.

News: You all killed it this semester. You’re a savvy bunch, with sound judgment and great dedication to journalism.

Sports: I can’t imagine anybody at the paper has more fun than you guys, but at the same time, you guys are some of the most talented and hardworking writers on this campus. Keep putting stuff on your board.

Design: You know, I used to be a designer (the start page). Lindsay, Mara, Chloe, Nick, Kat, Matt and Sydney — sorry if I ever held you up by writing joke headlines. The paper looked great this semester and you are all headed for success.

Photo: You’re all more talented than I could ever hope to be. The visual content in the paper this semester was amazing, keep producing great work.

Alexa: “I hate The Daily Orange.” Even though the newspaper stole your boyfriend, thank you for always supporting my decision to work there. I love you and I look forward to making up for all the lost time next semester.

614 Euclid Avenue: Dude, bros. We may not be the big men on campus — we tied a helium balloon to our apple TV remote so we could always find it — but I can honestly say I found the best group of friends I’ve ever had here at Syracuse. I can’t wait until next semester. First round at Chuck’s is on me.

Mom & Dad: Sorry for never calling. I’m not sure if you have ever read my articles, but I cannot stress enough how much your love and support have meant to me throughout the years. Thank you.

Published on December 4, 2014 at 3:51 am

Contact Brendan: bskrisel@syr.edu