My favorite part of The Daily Orange office is the quote wall. It’s a desk to ceiling high bulletin board with everyone on the staff’s name and sloppily written, stapled up quotes of things they’ve said. On a rough night, I’ll often look up and smile at the wacky, wonderful, downright weird things posted up there and trudge on past 2 a.m.

Now I have 650 words instead of a small square on a bulletin board and the most eloquent thing I can think to say is a cliché but heartfelt thank you to everyone I’ve worked with at 744.

Shayna: I owe you for first getting me here. Thanks for having such faith in me. Te veré en Espana!

Bethany: When no one stepped up, you held things together and kept the section going. You’ve done a terrific job and I wish you a restful, sane semester. You deserve it.

Sara: You are one of the most kind-hearted people I know. Hold on to that next semester when things get a little crazy. When you miss me Pandora: Broadway musicals. You’re in charge now-so screw the ‘Into The Woods’ haters.

Rebecca: You’re going to be a great assistant news editor. You’ve been one of the sharpest people in the newsroom.

Bill: Thank you for your effortless, understated humor and good luck with the continued estrogen-dominated section.

Abe: Here’s to never starting a sentence with ‘Syracuse University,’ fighting over my catchy ledes vs. your more appropriate ones, Spanish rice and baked ziti, hospital bed-side interviews and the witty progression of our brother/sister bickering. It’s become a real art form. See ya in Europe.

Steph: You ran this paper with candor, grace-and style. A tough feint. I still have your necklace and your shirt. I’m keeping them as collateral to ensure we hang out next year.

Meredith Kate/Karen Galante: Walking boldly into the sports office and getting your digits last semester was one of the best decisions I’ve made. I’m sorry about my untimely trip to España, but we will see each other. There’s much more metaphoric and literal sword stealing in our future. Girl-mance aside, you’ve been a conscientious, assertive and successful leader. Go usher in the next crew. I’m so proud of you.

Jared: Wanna Sporcle? I don’t know anyone else who could make 8 a.m. flu shots an adventure. You did-and so far I’m flu-free! Thanks for letting me live in the Sports office during the World Series.

Conor: We have this one thing we always talk about. We even joke about how we never talk about any other topic. So I’d just like to say, may that unspoken topic win the World Series next year.

Maria: Thank you for having the most fun down-to-earth personality of anyone here. I can’t wait to go to Spain with you. Column meeting soon?

Amanda: I’m already beginning my A-Z list of things we have to accomplish. I’m on the M’s right now: Madrid/Meryl/More movie musicals.

Ed: Thanks for whisking me away for late night milkshakes and ice cream. You remind me to seize the day and to dare to drive 40 mph on Tecumseh Rd while blasting Wings.

Lizzy: Thank you for letting me in at 3 a.m. when I couldn’t find my key…twice. And thank you for listening to all of my griping, reading my stories when I told you to and becoming a mass consumer of DO gossip, even when you could care less.

Madi: Roomie! Thank you for letting me in at 3a.m. when I couldn’t find my key…twice. I will miss you terribly next semester but can’t wait to close out our 3.5-year roommate romance in 416. Love you lady.

Zach: Last semester I found every excuse possible to go downstairs on Tuesday nights to see you. I was much more hydrated because of all those water fountain trips. You’re an incredible writer – the kind I aspire to be and I feel so lucky to have you in my life.

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Published on December 13, 2009 at 12:00 pm