Lorianne Willett

I used to think I would leave the copy department when I stopped using the Oxford comma in my daily life. Of all the specific style guide entries, that one was always my least favorite. And yet, the copy department is about meticulous details and ensuring consistency of style — including the divisive AP style rules regarding the Oxford comma. Small details like commas alter stories and the trajectories of ideas, just like all the small details at the Texan did for me. Somewhere along the way, I did start applying the AP style Oxford comma rules to my writing outside of journalism.

For my last piece here at the Texan, I thought I would try something a little different. As I reflect on my six semesters, (now) seven stories written, countless stories edited, and (about) 50 print papers worked on here at the Texan, as well as everything I learned from the people who were the Oxford commas of my time here, I’m moving away from the Texan’s house style and AP style that I have come to know so well, just as I am moving away from the Texan.

They say we are mosaics of the people we meet throughout our lives — that small fragments of them remain with us even after their time with us is over. As I turn the page on my time at the Daily Texan, I can only hope that I carry with me everything I learned from those I crossed paths with while in The Basement.

I hope to be a leader like Lana, Morgan, and Kate. Lana, thank you for being a kind and supportive night lead. You were my introduction to the Texan, and I am so grateful for it. Morgan, thank you for always being there to answer my questions during my brief time in news. You were an amazing news editor and an even better managing editor. Kate, thank you for believing in me. I remember leaving my first p-staff interview last summer thinking I had completely bombed it, but you hired me as an ACDC anyway. Your kind words meant a lot to me that summer. Thank you for always uplifting the people around you.

I hope to be as welcoming as Lucero and McKenzie; and as kind as Justin and Mihir. You all made The Basement a place I looked forward to coming to. Lucero, you invited me into your office on my first FNOP, and I invited myself in every week after that. Thank you all for the fun conversations at the copy desk and in the opinion office. They were a bright spot in the midst of a sometimes stressful print production. Lucero and Mihir, maybe now that we’re all retired we will finally get to that ping-pong game.

I hope to be as determined as Alyssa, Alanna, Neha, Hannah, Maia, and Taylor. I am so proud of the leaders and editors you have all become, and I can’t wait to see what y’all do next.

I hope to be as hardworking as Joseph, who continues to push himself in different journalistic ventures. Joseph, thank you for being a good friend and for always helping me with the randomest projects and stories. I wouldn’t be the journalist I am today without you.

I hope to be as great a friend as Sanne and Angie. You both have been two of my best friends since before this crazy ride we all embarked on at the Daily Texan. Sanne, thank you for never getting tired of my ramblings; you always responded to my texts, eventually. Angie, thank you for always being willing to listen. I never would have made it through the Texan, or just life, without y’all.

These are the details, the Oxford commas, that I hope I keep with me as I leave the Texan Basement for the final time.

My journey in journalism started with copy editing and print in high school, and it continued in both of those things in college. But, as that journey took me to new places, it expanded to include other mediums and avenues. And now, it’s time for that journey to continue beyond The Basement walls.