Oh, shit. My eyes are swelling up. I haven’t even started writing this and I am spiraling into a whirlwind of panic, sadness, anxiety and happiness.  

But here I am. In the Basement on a Friday when no one else is in here, writing my 30 in the managing editor’s office (because why not), which will luckily only be read by about 20 people. 

So I guess this is the part of the 30 where I reflect. Where I say “Wow, I can’t believe my time here is done. Blah blah blah thank you The Daily Texan.” 

Wow, I can’t believe my time here is done. Blah blah blah, thank you The Daily Texan. 

But it’s so weird to thank a Thing. As if it were the Texan who helped me grow. It wasn’t. It was everyone inside and outside of the Basement who inspired, taught and helped me through this fucked up, nontraditional college experience. 

First, I have to shout out my people at Eastfield, the two-year college in Dallas where I got my start in journalism. Coincidentally, we referred to our newsroom as a “closet” so I guess I upgraded? 

Lori, Beth, Sarah, Aria, Andy, David, James, Yesi and Anthony — thanks for helping me start this journey. 

Alright, now for some Texan folks who were pretty cool or whatever. 

Anyone I was a GR or SR with in 2020-21: I hope you’re doing alright and thriving now because those were some shitty semesters. 

Leila, Hope, Morgan, Ikram, Hairuo, Joelle, Leena, Katy, Maddie, Rylie and Ali — I’m proud of you all and everything you’ve all accomplished. I hope I helped in some way. If you’re going on to lead the Texan, a piece of advice: It’s Not That Serious. 🙂 

Tori, Kevin and Sam — we slayed! We’ve all grown so much and I guess only Kevin will be left, so good luck K-Dawg! 

Brooke and Anna — thanks for hiring me as an editor, putting up with me and throwing some killer news parties.

Megan — I have to thank you for everything. I wouldn’t have gotten an internship without you. Your friendship means a lot to me and you inspire me every day. 

Emily — I didn’t get a mention in your 30, so this is all you get. 

Neel — remember when you entrapped and incriminated me as a GR? Now we’re besties, but we suck and don’t call enough. 

Lauren — my former news editor, and definitely nothing else, like the person who makes my everyday better than the last, because that would be weird for a boss to date an employee. I can’t wait for us to have a Texan scholarship named after us. 

The weirdest part about going back to school at 22 after being an “under-achiever” your whole life is everything. And if you’re doing it, good luck. I wish I had advice but I don’t. Just know the whole experience feels like a fever dream.

Anyways, I worked at the Texan for three years and all I got were some friends that I’ll “keep with me (mentally)” for the rest of my life. I guess that means it was worth something. 

See y’all in 40 years at our award ceremony where I talk for 20 minutes and bore the current staff to death. -30-