Sahar VahidiDesign Editor, Presentation DirectorFall 2005 – Fall 2008

All of us failed to match our dreams of perfection. So I rate us on the basis of our splendid failure to do the impossible.William Faulkner

744 has been my home for four years and equivalent to any other major relationship I’ve had in my life. I still remember my first night: Sept. 7, 2005. Mike and I posed a photo illustration for Pulp, shortly after high-fiving each other for having the same idea. It was the high in my life that I longed for. The Design Department has meant everything to me, it’s made me laugh, cry, love and dance.

Swartz: I will forever admire your artistic intuition. Thanks for shouting shortcuts at me, it really came in handy. You were one of my best, most understanding, D.O. mentors – like ever. And I felt like the luckiest girl, when I got to continue our brainstorm sessions at The Globe. Keep on developing amazing projects! I’ll be watching.

Bottitta: There are many great stories about your legacy and you live up to all of them. It was wonderful working around you in Boston. You really helped me gain some important perspective. Thanks for being a friendly alumnus.

Valliant: My love! I know our lives will cross paths again. Thanks for being an amazing D.O. buddy / ex-roomie. Here’s to being total geeks at heart. I love all of your (journalism + life) stories and will continue to cherish them. You are destined to live a super Almost Famous lifestyle, I can feel it.

Hendricks: Look at you now, Big Apple girl. I have treasured experiencing your post-744 life with you. We will never forget walking around Brooklyn for MILES lost out of our minds. Who said chivalry was dead? Mr. Darcy fanatics for life (oh my/oh dear).

Gorman: I miss you. It’s been awhile since our last reunion. I won’t ever forget your kindness, during some of my hardest times. By the way, thanks for answering all of my questions about sports and inspiring my graphics. You will always be a dear friend to me.

Ramsey: Sports boy. You have prepared to deal with so many different types of workplace situations. There were fights. There were glares. There were laughs. I’m grateful we learned to acknowledge each other’s opinions. You are going to make an amazing top editor someday. You’ve got the instincts and drive down.

Levin: We know that looking strung out all the time, even though you aren’t, isn’t meant for everyone. Here’s to: metal/hxc music, movie debates, Wiiiii, Moe’s, drinking, sleepovers, silly faces, the month of March, hockey games, sarcasm, dirty rockstars and fonts. <3 ;*

Fitzgerald: Thanks for helping me temporarily migrate to Boston and answering my hardcore Red Sox questions, etc. Next time we see each other, we seriously need some quizzes/hysterics!

Wei Lee Wong: During your first interview, you were terribly charming and had the potential for greatness. I hope you choose a career where you can implement your creative talent. Keep standing up for your designs. It’s not the end… I’m sure we’ll share Wiiiii-kends with Levin.

Conroy: Thanks for always being a positive and understanding voice. You can talk out anything. I am glad we got to work together. I hope we run into each other at future SNDs etc. I know whatever you choose to do, you will do it with an incredible work ethic.

Moran: I’ll bring home the turkey if you bring home the bacon. You provided the hottest beats and the best parties. If there ever was a D.O. prom queen, trust me, no one has taken your spot.

Bortz: It’s been nice getting to know you in your post-porch D.O. career. We’ve had some good laughs and weird coincidences! I would be sad if we drifted apart. Hope you enjoy being an associate editor with a v-mail account. Didinga!

Gelb: It’s a little eerie that you can read my body language whenever you feel like it. It was nice to know someone knew when there was a lightbulb above my head. I’m very proud of all our work together, so I guess your back-seat designing is tolerable (smile).

Meluch: I wish you never went away! You win artist with the best heart in my book. I hope to continue our wonderful partnerships and collaborations. Hey, maybe I’ll call you more often now that I’m retiring?

Daniels: There’s something about you that totally makes sense to my heart. I hope we keep in touch.

Baker: Kangaroo! I have enjoyed watching you evolve. I love our long conversations. You are a wonderful friend and co-worker.

Addonizio: Eff my life. I am going to miss your so-called depressing stories. I won’t ever forget the night you wanted to compress (really badly). I am eager to see all of your future work, you are extremely talented.

Photo Department: My companions. You complete me. My night club. Katie, Lucas, Will, Mac, Krebs, Max… a girl couldn’t have asked for any better co-workers.

Chavar: We started out so young. And it’s been a nice road. I’m glad you enjoyed SND. I will always be grateful for your love of expression.

Bowen: I haven’t seen anyone with your work ethic … since?! I always admired your eagerness to stand by your opinions and hold them firmly.

Passmore: I hope you eventually return to the paper. You have excellent drafting and executing skills. I missed your presence around the office. You are a natural.

Levesque: You definitely have a knack for all things cute. Don’t be afraid to let loose and take some risks with your work.

Wen: I know that next semester will be your time to shine. You have such a large heart, use it to connect to your audience. Always feel free to reach out to me.

McElligott: We keep running into each other even though your D.O. career has been over for quite some time. It’s fate.

Boyer: You are a talented photographer … but I am so happy you realized that graphics is the key to all things in life.

Fessler: I’m so glad you still hung around the D.O. even though you didn’t need to. I continually miss your high energy, but I know you are doing amazing things with your life.

Schonbrun: All of your writing/videos have a distinct voice. You stories consistently leave me in awe. You are my favorite sports columnist. The End.

Berman: Always the gentleman. I’m jealous that you have new co-workers to enjoy your wonderful manners and talent.

Sports Department: Thanks for putting up with my antics. I hope you enjoyed my pages, as much as I enjoyed your company. I am proud to have lined your walls.

Corbett: Azizam, I’m sure your paper is lucky to have you as a reporter.

Musat: Conquer the world, you lovely girl. Thanks for bringing back traditions. Vogue is lucky to have you this summer.

Walsh: You were the sexiest featch editor, ever. And probably the only person who can make me blush (because I don’t blush).

Diamond and his forever: I firmly believe you two are the great Daily Orange romance of my generation. It’s also incredible how great you guys are individually. I better get my Wii double date!

Outram: You can do it. I believe in you.

Collura: Thanks again for keeping me in the loop, even after my accident. Your drive to bring people together was impressive. You kept the D.O. a strong professional environment.

Dockery: Our Arty Party was a night that left a mark.

Connor: To the only D.O. journalist whose work has ever made me cry … Congrats! I know you’ll go far in your career. You’re going to be the one with the ridiculous amount of words in some award-winning magazine.

Allison: I was so lucky we got to share my music and love for Blair Waldorf. I am eager to see if you go further down the graphics path.

Saucke: Best last name ever. I am going to miss you! Have fun abroad, come back and rock it.

News Department 2008/2009: You guys don’t get nearly enough credit for your wit. I loved watching all of you grow into heavy hitters. And for the love of … don’t ever let Shayna talk about death. Bad things happen.

Reiser: Mad skill. I had no idea you felt that way, I feel honored.

Knockout #51: Baby, it’s fact that our love is true. The way black is black and blue is just blue.

Feature/Design Couch: Thank you. Good times, except when you swallowed my stuff.

Pete: The brains of the operation. You always knew what it meant when we were at the office at the same time. Thanks for being a great listener.

To my professors, I’m sorry I let you down, but thanks for your compassion. To the next D.O. generations, try to do everything you dream because this is your time and it will soon be over.

Always dream and shoot higher than you know you can do. Don’t bother just to be better than your contemporaries or predecessors. Try to be better than yourself.William Faulkner

Published on December 3, 2008 at 12:00 pm