I’ve always been a planner — the number one fan of to-do lists, Google Calendars and color-coded reminders.
Since high school, I was certain: I needed to be a journalist — specifically, a print reporter. When I got into UT, I had a clear vision. I’d join The Daily Texan, write hard news, keep people informed and chase the dream I’d always imagined.
I did just that. In my first semester, I joined the news department as a general reporter. Almost immediately, I was hit with the revelation that this was not the dream I thought it was.
After a semester of spiraling and trying to convince myself I enjoyed it, I decided to switch gears, try something new.
From then on, I found my place within the newsroom.
The Texan gave me the space to explore, to pivot and to figure out what I was actually passionate about. It introduced me to the digital side of journalism, a world I might never have discovered otherwise, and empowered me to take ownership of my work in ways I hadn’t imagined. It’s not just where I found my place in the newsroom — it’s where I found my voice, my confidence and a clearer sense of the kind of journalist I want to be.
Thank you to Trinity, Ireland and Amelia for believing in me and taking a chance on me.
To all my digital people, y’all are incredibly talented and I could not have done any of this without your hard work. Thank you for entertaining my ridiculous icebreakers.
To McKenzie, thank you for your guidance and letting me get some sunlight from your office.
To Kylee, thank you for making me smile even on late nights. To Aaron, thank you for teaching me how to properly shoot a rubber band (at Raya). You are both brilliant, and I cannot wait to see everything y’all do.
To Raya, I’m so happy we met each other this semester. You have brought so much life to the basement, and your work at the Texan is incredibly valuable, even if you don’t think so.
To Katie, thank you for allowing me to make all of my goals come to life. Your work ethic and perseverance are something I will continue to envy for years to come.
To Peter, thank you for your endless support. I hope this 30 is at least ok.
B Higgs, I could not have done any of this without you. You showed me what it means to be curious, to lead with integrity, and to never stop asking questions. Thank you so much for introducing me to the world of journalism.
Trisha, I’m in constant awe of everything you do. Our 17-year-old selves would be screaming — we are living the dream.
Alex, I couldn’t have imagined doing this without you by my side. Thank you for waiting for me to finish the newsletters for so many nights, run ideas past you and most importantly, keep me sane.
To all my friends who have put up with me not being able to do anything on print nights. Thank you for constantly rooting for me.
To my family miles away, wishing for my success from afar, 謝謝.
Most importantly, thank you to my mom and dad, who have literally always been there for me. Thank you for worrying about why I’m in the Basement so late and taking the time to care about everything. Thank you for believing in me, even though you are still confused about exactly what I do. I owe all of this to you guys.
