I never would have expected I’d be saying goodbye to The Daily Texan before I even began my junior year. The truth is, I don’t know college without the Texan.

I started as a general news reporter just weeks after arriving on campus with absolutely no intentions of going beyond the news department. But, I had the most encouraging mentors who pushed me to pursue management.

As soon as I got into the University of Texas, I knew I wanted to work for the Texan. The reputation of this paper goes far beyond even what I knew, and I am so honored to have been a part of it.

To everyone I’ve crossed paths with while working for this paper and to everyone who has picked up a flipbook or clicked on the website, I am just thankful for you all.

To all the future Texan staffers, this is an experience like no other, savor every moment and please, please, please go to the basement.

Now, there are some people I need to thank on a more personal level because, without them, none of this would be possible.

Mom, Dad and Myles, when I said I wanted to be a princess, you gave me a tiara, when I said I wanted to be a fencer, you gave me the best gear you could find and when I said I wanted to be a journalist, you gave me a pen and paper. And Gerald, this goes for you too, thank you for being my support system and celebrating every single little win with me. I credit each of you with who I am today. I love you all so much.

To all the members of my family who continue to support me and follow my journey through life, thank you, and I love you all.

Bailey, I can’t even begin to thank you for all the things you have done and continue to do for me. I remember being on FaceTime with you when I saw my first article in the paper, and you wanted to frame a copy and that support never wavered. You are truly one-of-a-kind.

My EB, I am beyond grateful to be surrounded by such leaders who understand the work and time you have to put into something you care about. You all inspire me every day, thank you for your patience and understanding. I’m so happy I get to call you all my sisters.

Sofie, Audrey and Regina, y’all are my home away from home. Thank you for listening to my rants and comforting me when I needed it. Sofie, thank you for sitting on the couch until midnight every print production night just to make sure I make it home okay. You have no idea how much I needed to see your face after some of those nights.

Alyssa, I could not have asked for a better associate. You have been such an important part of this team and I hope everyone understands that. Thank you for caring about every single detail and putting your all into this paper.

Breigh, where do I even begin? You took a chance on hiring the associate news editor as your AME and chose to spend 15+ hours a week with me. I could never thank you enough for that. It was such an honor to stand by you during some of the best and most stressful times of our careers at the Texan. I truly learned everything I know about being a managing editor from you. But aside from that, I am most grateful for the friendship I found with you. You are one of the most incredible people I have ever met.

Amelia, when I met you in December, I had no idea how important you would become to me. You have one of the most genuinely caring souls of anyone I have ever met. Your driven spirit is infectious and it makes me and everyone you surround yourself with want to be better. Your friendship has been one of the greatest gifts the Texan has given me. I know you are going to make an amazing managing editor.

Peter, thank you for your guidance. From the critiques, while I was a reporter to the advice on handling situations while I was in management, your support was always greatly appreciated and I am a better journalist because of it.

Joelle, I learned the most from you during my time in the news department. I don’t know what I would have done without you beside me as ANE. Thank you for your wisdom.

Manoo, thank you for taking my 30 photo! You are beyond talented, I can’t wait to see where you go from here.

Carla, thank you for being willing to try anything I sprung on you and for spending those first few production nights with me! 

Morgan, Alisha, Katie, Kendall, Christian and the rest of my NABJ family, y’all are my community. I enjoy all of the time we spend together and I can’t wait to serve as president this coming school year, I won’t let y’all down.

Quigleys and Gerald Johnson, thank you for checking on my bandwidth and asking about the Texan every time we meet. I means so much to know that y’all genuinely care. And to all the faculty and staff who support student journalists, thank you so much.

Lastly, I want to thank the entire Summer 2024 Texan staff for a great summer. Special shout out to the department heads and McKenzie for leading your departments with professionalism and being the people I can depend on. I am honored to have served as The Daily Texan Managing Editor. The future of this paper is in great hands.