Up until this point, my life has been laid out for me. It’s all been a series of school calendars and much-needed breaks before moving on to the next thing. 

The routine is monotonous, but in the repetition is comfort and familiarity. Now, as my time in college comes to an end, I have to do the hardest part, let go of the familiar to figure out where I go next free from any rule book.

Luckily, I spent the best parts of the last four years at this paper, so before I stress about what comes next, I want to express gratitude to those who made this experience all that it was. 

Thank you to the summer news staff for your hard work and for trusting me as your editor. I’m so proud of what we’ve accomplished and I’m amazed by your growth as journalists. It’s an honor knowing I got to play a small role in that. 

Thank you to Kylee Howard for your support as my associate editor. You are the reason this summer ran so smoothly. I am so excited to see what you do as news editor in the fall. The department could not be in better hands. 

Thank you to Aaron Sullivan for not only being such a reliable news desk editor but for being my first real friend at the Texan. It’s been a joy getting to know you, and I hope we jet off to many more places together in the future.

Thank you to every news editor I’ve worked under: Tori, Morgan, Katy and Joelle. I learned how to do this job just by observing your leadership and dedication. To Joelle, I knew succeeding you meant big shoes to fill, but your support and advice from even before the summer started always stayed with me. 

Thank you to Sarah Brager, the best work wife I could’ve asked for. It was a privilege to see you cross the finish line in Alaska, and I’m so glad I get to stay in town so I can see you more. Thank you to Manoo Sirivelu, the talented photographer behind the photo you’re seeing, but also the best new roommate – whether in Dublin or Austin. 

Thank you to every single person who worked in the news department for the last year and a half. I’m going to miss all of the chaotic yet joyous production nights spent in the news corner. This department gave me a little community at this giant school and I am so grateful it was all of you.

Last, but never the least, thank you to my parents for being there every step of the way. Thank you to my mom who always saw something in me I never quite could. At every moment that felt insurmountable, you have been there to see me through. Thank you to my dad who always pushes me to move beyond my comfort zone. I often hear your voice telling me to just say yes when everything inside me is saying otherwise. I wouldn’t be here without y’all. 

Before my time at the Texan, I had no inkling of what I wanted my life to look like post-graduation. I didn’t even know I wanted to do journalism considering my first pitch meeting was my first time setting foot in a newsroom. Now, I see my future taking form all thanks to what I’ve learned and the confidence I’ve built here. I know circumstances will change a thousand more times, but this wonderful experience opened my world to so much more. 

I’ve realized I get to move through life, it does not move through me. I don’t know how all will pan out, but it’s up to me to decide where I go from here. It’s just a matter of looking inward and trusting what I find.