Welcome to Cardinal Profiles, a place to highlight the work done around the world by OV graduates. If you know of a person who should be highlighted in the future, please email Matt Vander Velde at:
matthew.vandervelde@orchardview.org
In this first edition of Cardinal Profiles, we highlight an OV grad from 2011: Cassie Daszko
When did you graduate OV and where did you go from here?
I graduated from OV in 2011 and went onto Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids where I majored in Journalism, graduating in spring of 2015.
I started with Digital First Media in Pontiac, MI, in February of 2016.
Can you tell us a little bit about the company you work for?
DFM specializes in the production of hundreds of newspapers across the country.
I work in what is called a Production Hub, which basically means we produce multiple different publications in one location. We have quite a few of these hubs all across the country. Our office in Pontiac produces four dailies and four weeklies in Michigan, as well as four dailies and two weeklies out of New York. We produce anywhere from 1,500 to 2,000 newspaper pages every week.
What does your workday look like?
My main responsibility is for the overall design and look of newspaper, and making sure everything looks good and looks uniform to our company’s style guidelines.
One of the biggest things I love about my job is that it is never the same every day. News is always changing. The process of how I do things is the same, but the content is different. Working in a newsroom environment also means that my days are never boring.
Can you tell us what your time at OV was like?
My time at OV was mainly spent in the band room, and that is where I have some of my fondest and best memories. When I was at OV I played in the band from 6th grade until I graduated. I was in every band ensemble possible, including jazz band. Some of my favorites include marching band competition days and festival days. These were always something we spent months working towards, and the long days together made it easy to create some lifelong memories.
How did your time at OV help you now?
The thing I really took from being in band was the dedication it took to become good at your craft. I didn’t become good at designing without having to work really hard at it over the last 6 years.
Is there a teacher who had a significant impact on your life?
My time at OV would not have been the same with two very special people. Mary Kelly, who was my third grade teacher and who drilled into me a love of words and reading, something that anyone will tell you in very important in becoming a journalist. She has always supported me since then and I don’t know what kind of person I would be without her.
The other person is Bryan Merchant. I had him as my teacher longer than anyone else, and I will always think a part of him will be happy that I graduated because it meant that I wasn’t around to bug him, especially about me playing piccolo. That story is a very long one but in short, I bugged him so much that piccolo was a banned word for like two years. Mr. Merchant gave me my love of music and showed me that if I wanted to be good at something I would have to work hard at it. That is something that has really shaped how I think and how I approach everything in my life.
Advice for current students?
My advice for high school students? Don’t wish your life away. Enjoy the years you’re in high school for they go far too quickly. Work hard throughout your high school career, you’ll be thankful you did when it comes time to apply for college. I got one full year paid for just because of my grades and good ACT scores.
Anything else?
Other little facts about me: I have two cats, Luna and Nova, who are the furry loves of my life. In my free time I love photography and video editing. Really, anything where I can be creative. I also love spending time with my family and friends.
