A -30- has been traditionally used by journalists to indicate the end of a story or article that is submitted for editing and typesetting. At The Daily Texan, staffers who are writing their last piece get to say a quick goodbye in the paper called a 30 column. Digital staffers, like Firdous, felt more comfortable saying goodbye in the way they know best, like a podcast!

Photo courtesy of Sofia Safi. The full transcript can be found below:

Firdous Khezrian: The earliest memory I have of my childhood is sitting in the backseat of my mama’s Toyota sienna, sitting high in my booster diverting every ounce of my attention to the sounds of public radio. I’d shift in my seat as the stories changed while they would talk about brains and politics and people that had passed away, and with every story I heard, I found pieces of myself. 

I’ve stayed tuned in and listening my whole life.

When my brother died and I didn’t know what to do, I turned to the wisdom dispensed in audio journalism to guide me. When I hated school and missed the joys of learning, I turned to podcasts to teach me. When I went to community college and faced the question of what would bring me fulfillment, I began volunteering at a radio station in Washington where for the first time in my life, I had been embraced by leaders in a field and recognized for the value I bring.

My arrival at The Daily Texan was unexpected. I was brand new to UT and was looking for my community. In retrospect, I really think The Daily Texan found me. My first semester, I worked in two digital departments and immersed myself into a world of production that I didn’t think was in my reach. I didn’t think that journalism had space for me. Especially because I hadn’t seen Afghans and Iranians amplified in these spaces. But I met so many beautiful people, people who I’m proud to now call my friends.  

My first semester I partook in the mentorship program and met Fiza, who was the Managing Editor at the time. She encouraged me to apply to things I thought for so long were outside of my reach. She became like a big sister to me. 

I also got to meet Shez who showed me the value of being unfiltered in your expression of love and remains one of the best leaders I have ever had the privilege to work under. I take notes in her presence. 

Thank you to Aislyn, Maria, and MJ for being such wonderful leadership to work with. Thank you to my friends in video, Anita, Kirthi, Theo, and Garrett who showed me how supportive friendships are at the core of collaboration.  

Thank you to Julius for being such a supportive friend. Sitting at the border of our corners of the basement has been a blessing because I got to meet you. Please believe that your legacy is vast here and The Daily Texan is better because of you. 

And to my good friend, Melody, thank you for sticking alongside me in the trenches of the audio corner of the basement this past year. I am so grateful to know you. You are brilliant and kind and I can’t wait to witness all the wonderful things you do. 

And a special thank you to the tower, for glowing a little brighter on nights when I’d walk back to my apartment after editing till late at night. 

At The Daily Texan I found role models and friends who inspire me.

I’ve worked in audio journalism for two years and I still listen to podcasts all the time. The crisp sounds of concise storytelling fills every gap of wonder I hold, and I am better because of it. I am better because of my time at The Daily Texan. 

But I think it’s to say goodbye. I pray our voices are always heard, especially in the walls of red Toyota Siennas.  

Thank you to The Daily Texan and to all the wonderful people I’ve met. I will cherish this forever.

With gratitude and drive, one last time, For The Daily Texan, I’m Firdous Khezrian.