Well, this is weird. It feels like I starting working in-house yesterday. Time flies when you’re with great people doing what you love.

KJ: I still don’t know why we became such good friends over the summer but I’m so thankful that we did. Maybe it’s because we finally found someone who was just as self-deprecating as the other and liked hip-hop more than most. Either way, I’m grateful that it happened, because I needed your friendship. You’re already a better writer than I am and you’re gonna go a long way in this journalism thing. I’m proud of you, kid.

McCleary: You’re as talented a journalist as anyone who’s ever walked into the sports office at 744. Working with you on beats has made me a better writer, and I know you’re gonna do an incredible job as SE next semester.

Schaf: Since the day that I met you, you always made me want to get better both as a writer and in the gym. I’m still trying to catch up to you in both. You unsurprisingly made a hard job look easy this semester, even if you still can’t spell. Go Sox.

Billy: Your dedication to journalism is inspiring. From the day we met and interviewed each other in NEW 205, you’ve always grinded to make stories the best they can be. Your work ethic and determination in journalism are unparalleled, and that’s why I know you’re going to be successful, no matter where you wind up.

Kaci: I don’t know how you’ve dealt with being in a room full of loud, obnoxious guys in your career at The DO, but you’ve killed it and then some. Keep breaking the stereotype and setting the standard. (But please stop making Mac puns and bad jokes).

Graham: It’s still impressive how you handled being SE as a sophomore. Thanks for taking a chance on me as a copy editor and allowing me to start my career in-house. Let’s hang out sometime.

Fortier: I’d never been so intimidated to do a read than when I sat down with you for the first time. You’re an incredible writer who could’ve easily just kept your writing talent to yourself, but you didn’t. DO Sports wouldn’t be what it is today if it wasn’t for you. Neither would I.

Tomer: You gave me my first beat, even if all I wrote were staffers. Every time you came into the house you came in with a smile and some sort of joke, and immediately brightened the room. As self-deprecating as you were, you never let anyone else forget their worth. And I needed that.

Schwed: My first sports editor. I’ll never forget the feedback you gave me on the phone for 25 minutes after my first coverage or your feedback on my National ideas. Your generosity and willingness to help younger writers are some of the things that make you special.

Guti: My first read ever was with you. My story was horrible, and you cut basically the whole thing before sending me back out for more reporting. Walking back from the house that night I dramatically questioned myself if I should even be doing journalism. I ended up sticking with it, thanks in part to you. Your ridiculous talent and commitment make you an inspiration, and I know you’re destined to do great things.

Charlie: We didn’t get to work in-house together, nor did we ever cover together. That doesn’t mean you didn’t become one of my favorite people in The DO almost as soon as I met you, though. You’re insane, and your charisma is unique as hell. Say hi to Balliet for me.

D-Schneid: Shoutout the 2018 softball beat. I’m glad we’ve become such good friends in the past year and I’m grateful for Thursday nights. Don’t forget about me and KJ while you’re abroad.

Other D.O. Sports members, In-House Staff members: I wish I could thank you all individually. Every interaction, every joke, every piece of advice I’ve received from or given to you guys is what makes this place great and made my time here so fun.

Alyssa: Thanks for putting up with the late nights, complaints, and general stress I’ve had during my time at The D.O. Having you by my side and to talk to when I needed to this past year has been everything for me.

Adam, Jacob, Mom and Dad: I don’t know where I’d be without you all. You’re the best brothers and parents anyone could ever ask for, and your never-ending support of me in school and in journalism will always mean so much to me. Thank you.

Published on December 6, 2018 at 1:38 am

Contact Eric: erblack@syr.edu | @esblack34