I knew that I wanted to join The Daily Texan from the moment I got to UT. Although I chose to be a computer science major, I couldn’t quite cut off my ties to journalism. It was a part of me, like a limb. Or a parasite. Probably the latter. 

So I found the DT interest form and checked some boxes. A few of you may know that I tried out for the opinion department first — and got handily rejected. If you’re reading this and think, “Geez, this guy’s not a very good writer,” you’re probably right. 

Luckily, I made it in as a copy editor. As they say, the rest is history. 

All right, let’s get straight to the thank-you's. 

Kirsten, you are the best, most caring mentor and friend anyone could ask for. I’ve learned so much from watching you lead at the paper, and you’ve supported me each step of the way. Thank you for everything. 

Brittany, we go all the way back to day one. Thank you for being my partner-in-crime and someone I could send giant brick texts to when I spiral after a bad day. You’ve kept me and the paper afloat.

Jimena, the hot, smart and funny Queen of England. It’s never not a good time with you. I’ll miss you loads, luv. Lawson, thank you for introducing me to gummye peet rat. You’re amazing, and I’m grateful to have been able to work with you so much.

Irissa, I’ll miss our chaotic page edits. I hope our friendship “lives on.” Phoebe, I’ve seen you grow leaps and bounds as an editor, and I’m glad my Thursday stress didn’t deter you from staying. Megan Shankle, you’re honestly the most powerful editor out of all of us. Also, I’m now a Sufjan Stevens fan because of your (admittedly worrying) obsession with his music.

Connor, Adriana and Alicja, that semester will always mean a lot to me. Monday Copy Forever. 

And thank you to all copy issue staffers, past, present and future. The department would be nothing without you guys. If you happen to be a potential staffer thinking about joining the Texan, consider copy. I might be biased, but I think it’s the best department. 

Big shoutout to copy’s sister, design. Thank you to Jeff, Nila, Christiana and Christina for dealing with my shenanigans. Special thanks to Maria. I still feel bad about that time I made you reupload the flipbook at 1 a.m. 

Myah and Stephen, I’ll watch a UT football game one day. Maybe. No promises. 

Fellow management people, it’s been great being on the team with y’all. Trinady, you’re so talented and on top of your game. I know you’ll kill it at the Texan and beyond. Michael, you’re the kindest person I know and a true digital king. Angelica, thank you for taking on such an important and difficult cause at this paper. 

Last but definitely not least, thank you to the one and only Megan Menchaca, who is truly the Greatest Of All Time. It’s also nice to have someone reassure me that I’m not a f–k-up at my job — even if I am. Thank you for believing in me. I may have spouted hyperbole about how much I hated being an AME once or twice, but I wouldn’t trade these past few months for anything. 

And to everyone else at DT who’s made this place feel like home — thank you. You guys have made these semesters more than worth it. 

For the last time, let’s go make a paper