Let’s get started. This is for all the special people inside and outside of 230’s walls.

Louis: Professor, you’re miles away from our read together at 2 a.m. trying to dig up reporting from that Smino coverage. Your writing has improved exponentially, your hustle, too. Keep letting that friendly energy pour out with every new person you meet, and I know that you’ll use that magnetic aura to create a great environment in Culture for new writers. Trust the process (literally and Embiid) and keep getting your peaches down in Georgia. 

Sydney Bergan: Ayo! When I first started working with you, I became lucky enough to see your talent shine in the stories you write and the way you easily connect with everyone. I can’t wait to see you inspire more writers — and Rafy Evens — while you’re a senior staffer.

Abby Presson: Even during our first read about that bus, I knew you were going to be unstoppable. I’m always going to be in your corner, and you’re going to do big things outside of just leading Culture one day. Keep saving lives, doc.

Abby Weiss: You’re amazing at digital, and I appreciate all the tips with headlines. You’ll be an awesome DME. 

Gavi: You once told me you doubted them, but your skills have grown a ton these past two semesters. It’s been an honor to work with a fellow Birk enthusiast.

Culture Crew: Staff writers are the engine of this paper, and I deeply appreciate you all allowing me to edit your work. This section is anything you can make out of it. 

Crane: I always felt you were the person I had to emulate to become an elite journalist. I still do. You’re the one who works into the dawning hours of morning, who writes endlessly, who likes mediocre Buffalo sports teams and who tries to make everyone around themself better. Thank you for all the calls and answering my stupid 1 a.m. questions when I lost my way.

Cicchiello: As you ripped my head off in Mike’s office, you sparked my flame. The essay-length advice/feedback texts still mean a lot. They always have.

Casey & Emma: I cannot stress enough how grateful I am for the chance to work in house under both of you. Thanks for all the Oreos, the feedback and showing what it means to love this paper.

Mandy: You’re the sweetest person I’ve ever met and one of the smartest editors at this paper. I do want to take this time out, though, to apologize for chewing so loudly and using the passive voice a ton. You’re going to rock as ME, and it still means everything that you trusted me with an in-house position. Also, those clown courtesies. Wow.

Emily: You’ll be an incredible EIC, and expect many more photos from me during the next two years. I may even buy a DSLR!

Roshan: Please clean that mug.

Allie: You’re more Cincinnati than Nick.

Skyler: Thank you for allowing me to come back to Sports. I can’t wait to write under a super ambitious editor like you.

Maya: Your stamina for making so many Culture spreads in a row is crazy. Thanks for answering all my random design questions and for the Kimmel (RIP) coffee. I’m so happy you joined The D.O.

Richard Chang: I really wish we could’ve spent time together in house this year. Your brutal honesty and follow up questions make me respect your hustle, and I know you’ll knock News Editor out of the park. Boston never. Digital forever. 

Shannon: You call yourself an avid traveler, but I know the real Shannon is a homebody: someone who decorates every corner of her apartment and stays in watching TV to soak in shows’ “life lessons.” Our last-second road trip together quickly turned into hike time, you gushing at any husky that stands in your path and you roasting my scribbles. Be nicer to yourself. You’re a design sorceress, and I’m extremely thankful you’ve become one of my closest friends at The D.O. By the way, do you have any seltzer?

Nick: The first time I liked Nicholas Robertson wasn’t in COM 117, or Race, or during that stupid recitation freshman year, but in his Chevy raging at the road on his way to Popeye’s. That’s when I got to see the true side of the driven, compassionate 7’12” behemoth known as Nick. Our feature nights with Stockbroker Casas and you bandwagoning the Knicks — and my nine RJ — has launched our friendship to the moon. Thank you for calling me out whenever needed. You’re the type of friend I’ve always looked for. I would end this about Cincinnati, but everybody can’t come up here, Brooklyn. 

Lamb: Things haven’t been the same since you dunked on Yarnell and conquered Moron Mountain. It really upsets me that I couldn’t see you except, like, twice this year, even though we’re so close. Because I have more free time, trust that the 4 a.m. texts will be deep … like the fries are at the bottom. Your genuineness and copy edits have shaped me into the person I am now, and I love you to Ithaca’s lighthouse and back. Still, let’s never co-byline again.

Carlo: After you left, I promised you I would work harder than everybody else to become the best. I’ll keep at it even though you’re an ocean away. Call soon.

18: ThE BoYs. Thank you guys for allowing me to do edits while we’re hanging. We’re going straight to Great Hunger when I’m back. 

21: Thanks for doubting me, I feed off it. You’ve pushed me to be better and I know I’m still growing.

Mom, Dad and Caileen: My biggest fans. I love you three so much, and it means the world you guys believe in me. Oh, and I’ll actually clean up the garage soon. Promise.

Published on May 13, 2021 at 4:19 am

Contact Christopher: cscargla@syr.edu | @chrisscargs