In light of the extreme militarization that took place on our campus Wednesday, I find it is inappropriate to continue business as usual and publish a 30, or a goodbye column, without discussing what our campus has faced. 

We have not had a normal spring by any means. We entered the semester covering our campus’ responses to the ongoing genocide in Gaza at the same time as the enactment of Senate Bill 17, the nation’s most repressive higher education bill against diversity, equity and inclusion. While UT administrators and lawmakers have shown intense disregard for the well-being of students, our staff here at the Texan have shown incredible bravery, professionalism, and resilience in the face of violence. 

This semester alone, our team organized quickly at the scene of an aggravated assault in West Campus. We reported on protests over the firing of 65+ staff in DEI roles and the once-in-a-lifetime total solar eclipse at the same time. And just this week, we witnessed law enforcement — armed with riot gear — crack down on peaceful protesters. 

Watching the excellent reporting of my peers has been the highlight of my time at the Texan, despite the fact that the conditions that have made that possibility happen are the worst I have seen in my time at the University.

I am especially proud of the work put in by our reporters, photographers and editors at Wednesday’s protest, including but not limited to the following: Maryam, Ren, Naina, Manoo, Charlotte, Lorianne, Trinity, Chloe, Kylee, Vivien and Joelle. Your composure and clarity speaks for itself. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I couldn’t have asked for a better staff. A few more people made the job possible in all of the days leading up to this.

Peter: your steadfast mentorship and guidance in the day-to-day difficulties of the job is the biggest reason I made it to the end. You’ve set the bar higher for what I’ve learned I can expect from mentors and professionals. I can’t thank you enough for answering all of my calls at all hours of the day — I promise I’ll finally take you off speed dial now.

My associates, Amelia and Ireland: you’ve really stuck with me through the highs and lows of this job. At all hours of the day, y’all were ready to offer sound advice, close editing, and deep laughter. Amelia, I admire your willingness to jump in at any point and dedication to supporting our staff in all ways, big and small. I still can’t believe we grew up 10 minutes from each other and it took us 3 semesters at the Texan to meet. Ireland, your commitment to journalistic integrity has seriously improved our quality of work and kept our team together. Thank you for making me laugh in the most dire of situations and being a friend I can trust to tell me the truth. You two are going to make amazing Managing Editors — I couldn’t be happier to see what directions y’all take the paper in.

Sascha, Chloe, Lucero: we have made some serious memories as a management team. I’ll never forget that one day in Lucero’s office . . . you know the one. Grateful we all had each other’s backs.

Sascha: my oldest friend at the Texan, I’ve adored the memories we’ve made over Vietnamese food and coverage tracking. You have weathered so many storms as A&B director these last two semesters and I couldn’t think of someone more well-equipped to do so. 

Morgan: simply put, anything I know about journalism I’ve learned from you. Thank you for assuring me when things got out of control and offering wise, thoughtful advice. You have a special way of making people feel loved and I’m beyond grateful the Texan put us together.

Rachael: you’re the reason I stayed at the Texan after my first semester and have been a voice of reason throughout my time here. Thank you for reminding me of the bigger picture and the importance of sometimes putting aside “journalism brain” — you make me feel heard. I have loved knowing you as a mentor, but even more so as a friend.

My writing department heads this semester, Joelle, Mimi, Evan and Ali: you have all made this job a breeze. You have no idea how relieving it is to go to maestro knowing every single one of you is working so hard to ensure every story is up to our standards. I couldn’t have been more grateful for your attention to detail and care for your staff.

Will: thank you for being so generous with your time. You were absolutely right that the Texan is a “learning laboratory,” and hearing that from someone with your level of experience made me feel much more comfortable to ask questions, make mistakes and try again.

My loved ones outside of the basement have been my biggest supporters amidst a truly hectic time. 

My parents have listened to me talk about this paper incessantly and who have offered empathy and kindness beyond what I have deserved. I could not have done this without you.

Ann, thank you for reminding me to always see the bigger picture. Casie, thank you for asking the right questions. Both of you are my best friends and I can’t wait to resume bothering you with my newfound free time.

Seth, your level-headed perspective has been a grounding force for good in my life. You understand what I mean the first time I say it, and in turn, you help me say what I need to say to anyone who might not understand. I cannot begin to comprehend the level of kindness and gentleness you’ve met me with, but I am grateful for it.

Sofia, you always met me with grace and patience when the Texan seeped into the corners of my life, and in turn, our lives. Sorry for leaving Mean Girls that one time to answer Slacks — it won’t happen again?!

Finally, coming from a background in DT’s Diversity & Inclusion board (since renamed Advocacy & Belonging in the wake of Senate Bill 17), I have grown up in this institution with an acute sense of our historical position. The Texan I am leaving in 2024 is nothing like it was in the 1900s. It is a far more diverse, open-minded, communal space than it ever has been before. At the same time, I have also seen the terse moments when we have stood on the wrong side of history — mistakes have been made newsroom-wide. I am grateful for the many people who taught me to view the Texan, and our University, with a loving but critical eye.