I still remember the night I was hired as a Gender and Sexuality columnist at The Daily Orange. It was during winter break 2016, three months after I had transferred into Newhouse. I was lost, aimlessly navigating a newfound world of AP Style, inverted pyramids and Oxford Comma-less writing.

But in that moment, I turned to my dad with the biggest smile on my face, and said:
“I’m going to be writing for the best student newspaper in the country.”

Two-and-a-half years, countless sleepless nights and an obscene number of almond milk lattes later, that same thought passes through my mind every time I walk through 744’s doors.

It takes a village to make this house what it is. Cheers to the people who welcomed me home.

Alexa Torrens: If journalism fairy godmothers exist, they come in the form of Panera Bread orders and Jack Skeleton slippers. You took a chance when you hired me as a columnist, and I’m forever indebted to you because of it. 

Alexa Díaz: You live by example on what it means to lead by kindness. I admire your drive, tenacity and grace more than you’ll ever know. I hope life back home in Los Angeles is just as golden as you are.

Caroline: I met you as the cool chick with the dope fashion sense during our semester abroad in London, and came back to learn you’re an Op legend. I’m obsessed with you and your perfectly curated Insta feed, and I may or may not have your Elite Daily column bookmarked for weekly reading.

Kathryn: If I didn’t say it enough, your hard work, sharp wit and friendship brought me into this house and kept me staying for semesters after. I hope there will always be free bagels, underground concerts and beautiful runs for you in NYC, because you deserve nothing more.

Sara: You’ll forever be the ultimate D.O. grandma. Thank you for your shared love of London and red wine, your dogged reporting skills and advocacy on behalf of women journalists. I miss you, your dry sense of humor and death by PSC 378 with you all spring 2018.

Kevin: Kevin, your laugh alone has me in stitches, and I can always count on your quirky personality to make my night. The D.O. is so lucky to have you back, and you’ll take our digital presence far beyond our wildest imaginations.

Sandhya: My Kubal twin! You’re the sweetest soul, a fashion icon and I could always count on you for some in-depth conversations shared over lattes en-route to The D.O. Keep soaring and flourishing.

Kai: How you always came across as calm, cool and collected as a head editor is BEYOND me. You have an incredible artistic eye, killer music tastes and were always a source of light and positivity at the house during those dreary winter nights.

Sarah: Hey b*tch. You’re a copy connoisseur, have kicks for days and have one of the most niche senses of humor. Thank you for your enthusiasm for reusable straws and #veganism. I’m so happy you’re returning to your feature roots next year, and I know you, Allison and Diana are going to be the perfect Pulp trifecta.

Brooke: You just ooze Seattle vibes — you’re effortlessly stylish, have one of the sickest tastes in music and know how to keep me laughing over your insane going out stories. Keep the faith and know that you have all the tools you need to be successful in this industry.

KJ: You’re a lovable goof, KJ, and remind me of the younger brother I never had. Your growth this year alone has been one of my favorites to witness. Keep chasing the stories most in need of being told, and let’s do yoga again, sometime.

Amy: If I had three wishes, they’d be to raid your closet, have a fraction of your design skills and to have spent more time with you during our two semesters together. You have a beautiful gift for words and such a kind soul, and know that those two attributes alone will take you far and wide in this world.

Casey: I’m sorry the first time we met was me spending 20 minutes ranting to you about how ungodly Florida is, only for you to look me dead in the eyes and say, “I’m from Florida.” You care so deeply about the communities you’re covering, and I’ll miss your snarky comments and infectious laugh next year. Crush it as news editor, and send me a meme or two along the way — your girl here is going to go through some serious withdrawals.

Allison: I wish I had been as self-assured and badass as you were as a college sophomore. Your thirst for Danny Devito and that Disney FMK Slack chat might go down in infamy, but I know that when it comes to your reporting, the sky’s the limit for you.

Talia: Talia, my fellow cancer queen. Thank you for your brightness, unbridled creativity and your shared commiserating over non-inclusive Pup foods. You’re going to thrive as PD, and I can’t wait to follow your designs long after your tenure here ends <3

Sam: I can’t reiterate enough how fortunate The D.O. is to have been guided by your leadership this year. You’re a once-in-a-D.O.-generation kind of reporter, and I hope that no matter where life takes you, there will always be some beautiful stars for you to gaze at. 

Ali: You’re a supernova, personified. The world could use so much more of your contagious spirit, and I miss you, your cackling laugh and us bonding over “Listen to the Music” most. 

Graham: Time has passed and things have changed, but know this: so long as there are February sunsets and back porches and Otis Redding in this world, there will be the memory of you and me. 

Colleen: Your willingness to be there for me during the good, the bad and the ugly is so telling of your character. Thank you for always bringing me out of my shell and for the late night dinner rants in your kitchen. I love you and am so proud of you, always.

Aishwarya: It took a year for us to meet, but man, am I happy we finally did. Your leadership at this paper helped set a standard for how to tell stories that champion all campus communities, and you did it with impeccable style and a sense of humor to boot. Thank you for not letting me bash my head in during MAG 408, and I can’t wait to see you take New York City by storm. Crash on your couch sometime?

Kennedy: You’re an absolute riot and your complete lack of filter always leaves me giggling during production. I’m so happy The Inn Complete trivia night and strange boys have brought us closer this semester, and I’m certain Philadelphia will be a brighter place with your presence in it this summer. Keep on keeping on, you goblin.

Lydia: Lydia, I knew you weren’t just a D.O. friend when I learned about your French rap obsession. If Alexa’s the reason I came to The D.O., you’re the reason I stayed. You’re a rare combination of grit and grace, and your “Queer Eye”-worthy Pulp transformation is just one example of your brilliance in motion. You’re bound to shatter glass ceilings left and right.

*pink heart sparkly emoji*

Diana: The rumors are true! You’re a natural reporter who’s always down for a good Beyoncé jam session, and there is, quite literally, no one I’d rather spend 15 hours walking through city sewage or writing event coverage with. Please, please call me with rants next semester — yours are always so iconic. ~~Yerrrrrr~~

Haley: My best memories from The D.O. will always be the ones I share with you. It seems unfair we only got a year together at this house, but one thing I know for certain is this: you’re my soul sister within these four walls and I’m forever grateful to have spent this year learning and growing alongside you. I love your musical theater obsessions, how you shotgunned a seltzer on The D.O.’s front lawn, your heinous love for the Patriots and our shared fantasies of marrying gorgeous, lanky men in the future. You’re the most radiant soul I’ve met at 744, Haley. Your spirit is what makes this house a home.

Mom and Dad: All that I am is a direct testament to everything you’ve helped me become. You are the something I look up to, the something I look forward to and the something I chase each and every day of my life. I will never be a fraction of the people you two are — but my God, is it worth the chase.

It’s getting a little too sappy in here. Siri, play Fleetwood Mac’s “Gypsy.”

We’ve got a lot of golden life left to live.

Published on April 29, 2019 at 4:49 am

Contact Kelsey: katho101@syr.edu | @writtenbykelsey