As lame as it sounds, I would spend hours on weekend nights designing layouts in high school. While my friends went to parties or movies or late-night ice cream runs, I’d retire to my parents’ recliner, enjoying my date nights with InDesign.
When I graduated from my high school journalism career and was choosing colleges, I paid special attention to colleges’ student newspapers. I knew from the moment I stepped on campus during orientation that I wanted to be a part of the Daily Texan. Coincidentally, my orientation advisor was a p-staffer at the Texan, and soon enough she finally agreed to give me a quick tour of the basement. As we adventured down the musty stairs in July’s sweltering heat, I couldn’t help but smile once opening the dark door to the basement.
When I finally was able to apply to the Texan, I was ecstatic to be a part of Design. It almost felt like the same routine I was used to—my beloved designing date nights—but more real, fast, and meaningful. All my friends outside the basement have probably become bored of listening to how much I repeatedly say I love the Texan, but I really do mean it every time: the Texan has given me a place to grow, train, lead, design, and most importantly, learn. Every “date night” I’ve had with the Texan for the past two years has been my favorite time of the week.
And while the basement may not have any natural light, I find it to be one of the brightest places on campus. Due to the sheer amount of talent and joy packed into one small floor, the Texan radiates from within. Thank you to everyone who has made my time at the Texan filled with such brightness.
Juleanna, I will always remember you as my first-ever editor—your caring, dedicated leadership inspires me. Carla, thank you for dealing with me and I aspire to be as good as you at word games one day. Sanne, thank you for always listening, giving me the best advice, and online shopping with me in between edits. Your kindness and work ethic is truly admirable. Areebah, thanks for being a desk away, especially the desk with snacks. Sascha, our gossip sessions are truly the highlight of my week (and of course, beating you at the crossword)—you’re my work wife and I will miss seeing your friendly face every Thursday.
Out of everything I’ve done for the Texan, my work with Double Coverage has meant the most to me. From being a general staffer to the DC Editor (who would’ve ever guessed I’d do anything related to football, but I somehow did), the full circle moment is extremely fulfilling. And of course, requires a special few shoutouts for the people who’ve made it happen. Kate, thank you for teaching me the limited knowledge I have about football, and for being by my side. Your presence in the basement makes me feel so incredibly supported and welcomed, and of course, fed (thank you for snacks!). Lorianne, having you as my partner was the saving grace of DC—I will miss yelling across the floor to find you. I cannot thank you enough for handling my last-minute photo requests. Emma, thank you for letting me be creative, bold, and even daring at times with DC’s design. I hope you’re proud of all that you’ve done as an incredible editor. And lastly, Sara: saying thank you to you is the hardest, simply because there is too much to thank you for. So, thank you for everything—I count my blessings for having a design mentor (and friend) like you. If I can ever be half the designer (and leader) that you’ve been, I would consider myself successful.
Jordan Mitchell, thank you for opening the Texan’s door for me that very first time. If it weren’t for you taking me on that tour, I may not have found my way to the stairs so easily. Asha, thank you for being my first friend at the Texan—your companionship since the beginning of my time in college means the world to me, and I look back at my memories of our semester working together very fondly. Fiza, Mantra, Morgan, & Breigh, thank you for being the best examples of what leadership looks like in your unique ways. I have loved working with each of you. Peter, thank you for always being there, from the day I yapped your ear off on your couch to all the mini-design panic attacks I’ve had. I will not miss your design critique emails, but I will miss seeing you.
As I break up with the Texan, removing the Design date nights from my calendar, I look forward to all the (natural) light that awaits once I open the basement doors again—this time, the other way around. I owe so much to this newspaper, and I can’t wait to see where it heads next.
