I’ve said many times that The Daily Texan stands apart from any other student experience on campus because we are so much more than a student organization. We are creating something every day that will travel farther and live on longer than we can imagine. 

Throughout 2024, we’ve been reminded of this again and again as we’ve found ourselves at the center of a precarious historical moment. We’ve covered the impacts of Senate Bill 17 on our campus and student opposition to the ongoing genocide in Gaza, as well as the violence unleashed by the University and state government in response. Last month we covered Donald Trump’s victory in this year’s election. Even when it was scary — and it continues to be scary — we have not stopped doing the work to shed light on how students feel and hold our leaders accountable. 

The Texan has, throughout its existence, often not stood on the right side of history. We continue to have considerable work to do, both to make our organization inclusive and to make its work honest and just. We’re reminded of this as we enter our 125th year of publication and see a past and present of mistakes and effort. We’re reminded of this, too, by this historical moment and the journalism it requires.

To have worked alongside some of the most brilliant, talented people I have ever known to document this moment has been both profound and incredibly challenging. I’ve done a decidedly imperfect job, and I owe so much gratitude to everyone who has shown me patience and grace.

With that, I have many, many people who have taught me, trusted me and supported me to thank.

The people who noticed me early in my time at the Texan are those to whom credit is due for the experience I’ve had here. Thank you to Kate, Morgan and Breigh for bringing me into the fold.

To Maryam, Naina, Matthew, Ren, Kylee, Vivien, Sarah, Manoo, Lorianne and Charlotte, your dedication and bravery in documenting history this semester and this year have never ceased to amaze me.

Countless people here do things I could never do if I tried. Carla, Alexa, Breyona, Trinity, Athena, Newt, Manoo and Kennedy – just to name a few – your talents precede you, and you are what makes the Texan exceptional. 

McKenzie, I’m grateful for your leadership and am so glad we got to be a team this semester.

Katie, your intellect and initiative amaze me. Thank you for pushing me and for asking me hard questions. With you at the helm, the Texan is in excellent hands next semester. You will offer so much of what I could not.

Joelle, I knew from the very start that I was doing this with you by my side or not at all. Your expertise has been invaluable, and without you, there would have been no fun or whimsy. In fact, without you, it’s possible that nothing would have ever gotten done at all. 

Kylee, Evan, Amelia and Isabella, from election coverage, to Texas’ entrance to the SEC, to ACL, you have each gone the extra mile over and over again. I feel so fortunate to have worked with such dedicated editors.

Abigail and Raya, thank you for your invaluable work in the face of constant challenges.

Peter, thank you for your wisdom, your consistency, your guidance and the comfort it all brought me every single day. 

Will, thank you for your perspective and your commitment to helping me grow.

Morgan, Breigh and Ireland, simply, my friendships with each of you are the very best things I found at The Daily Texan. 

Sydney, you’ve listened to me for hours and provided me with the happiest company.

To my parents, thank you for sending me into the world with confidence in myself and what I can do.

Regina, thank you for putting up with this and with me. My past, present and future with you are my greatest gifts.

Val, thank you for being exactly who you are. I’m so grateful for all our time together so far and excited for all our time together to come.

Bobby and Sophie, thank you for your advice, your listening ears and for making your home mine. 

Henry, Hattie, Amos, Aliyeh, Jeremy, Isaiah, Thomas, Hennie and Holden, thank you for shining your light and always showing me the way.

I owe so much of who I am and who I might become to The Daily Texan — everything it has taught me, and everyone it has brought me.