It all started when I heard my phone vibrate one summer night in 2014. “Andrew Lief … I wonder what he wants …,” I said to myself as I unlocked my iPhone screen. He asked me if I would be interested in joining the Oracle. I was unsure. I knew the Oracle focused on school news and local news and at the time I was a national news and national sports kind of guy. We talked briefly until he presented me with an offer I couldn’t refuse: “When I leave the Oracle, you can have my Jets column and write about the Rangers.” With that offer, I was in. I began as a sports copy editor but was quickly thrust upon the role of Arts & Entertainment Editor after the previous person had to resign. It’s a job I held for over a year but now it’s time for me to say goodbye.
Goodbye to the office that became a home for me on Wednesday nights during the semester. Goodbye to my desk. Goodbye to the Rangers shield and the photo of Manny Calavera that were crudely taped to the monitor. Now it’s time to say goodbye to the people that have become part of my extended family.
Nate Sheidlower: You have become one of my closest friends during my time at the Oracle and I know you are destined for great things my friend. The list is short of people that I trust and you are on that list buddy, I wish you the best in everything you do. I look forward to hanging out during the rest of the year as well as later in life.
Mike Rosen: You were loud when I met you. You’re still very loud. But that doesn’t change the fact that you are a kind and genuine guy who deserves to be happy and not worry about those that try to bring you down. You have all the skills to become the next great baseball analyst. Go out and grab it. Tim Kurkjian has nothing on you.
Jack O’Brien: We haven’t known each other for very long but man Jack, you will be one of the people who I’ll miss a lot. You care about the quality of your work more than a lot of people I’ve seen and you always know how to deliver a story in a great, concise and effective way. You’re a member of the party I don’t support but that doesn’t stop me from wishing you the best of luck in everything. Thanks for the laughs and for messing with Grossman.
Samantha Manzella: Sam, what can I say? “Come Jam with Sam” has become one of the staples of the paper as a whole and people love your column. I love your column. You have a special talent for writing about music and the arts and I know you will make a fantastic journalist in the real world as well. I want you make the A&E section an even stronger part of the paper. I know I left the section in good hands.
Jessica Napp: One of the kindest souls I’ve ever come into contact with. Your writing speaks for itself and the way you write is absolutely fantastic. I haven’t known you as long as others on the Oracle but I know you have a bright future ahead of you. I’ve never met someone so attentive and considerate. Keep being awesome.
Melissa Kramer: The biggest Islanders fan I know. We’ve had some good memories over the years. You work hard and you are always up to the challenge no matter what it might be. My one piece of advice to you: try to find some time to relax and chill. Now let’s go out there and win the championship in floor hockey this year shall we? You got a good future ahead of you, kiddo.
Kristen Warfield: The third Editor-in-Chief I’ve worked under. You bring class to the position and you know how to keep the paper running despite some rough circumstances that we may run into along the way. Hope Ruby stays healthy and happy!
David Khorassani: Thanks for being an amazing photo editor and good friend these past few months. I’ll never forget our Taste of New Paltz Adventure. Keep up the good work.
Melanie Zerah: Good luck with everything. Keep up the great writing and attentiveness for finding and writing about news a bright future awaits you.
Kintura Williams: One of the funniest and bluntest people I’ve ever met. You keep doing your thing and I’m glad we finally got the chance to work together on the Oracle.
Jon Perry: I’m glad you joined up with the Oracle finally and I hope you body Karl in Smash next time you guys play.
Anthony Orza, Rachael Purtell, Monique Tranchina, and Holly Lipka: I don’t know the four of you as well as the rest but I wish you all the best of luck with the rest of your time here at New Paltz and the rest of your lives.
Goodbye everyone, it’s been a blast.