When Newton Tran hired me to be one of his associate editors last semester, I warned him that I had an Android. My Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 would, unfortunately, make Instagram story posts look different from an iPhone’s posts. He told me it was fine, and I realized that was a stupid question because why would a newsroom care if its Instagram font looked slightly thicker than usual?
I quickly learned in Spring 2024, when Trinity Flaten hired me as a social media general staffer, that it was of the utmost importance to keep the UT community informed on accurate and timely news. Reading Texan articles and copywriting them into two sentences became my nightly task, and thanks to the Texan, I became exposed to the reality of my university and city. Slowly but surely, I deemed myself a “social media apologist” as it would become a frequent habit to answer any inquiry about my role in the Texan as more than writing captions.
As a bright-eyed English freshman, joining The Daily Texan played an integral role in shaping my identity as a Longhorn. It gave me a sense of belonging while simultaneously serving as my creative outlet and writing facet. But overall, I was proud and appreciative of the fact that I got to be part of such a dedicated and talented group of students who all took their jobs seriously beyond measure. I still am.
There is so much to say, and so naturally, I’m moving on before I lose whoever is reading this.
Trinity, thank you so much for hiring me and offering me a gateway into the Texan. You were such an incredible editor and excellent guide, without you, this 30 would not exist.
Adrita, thank you for being the best mentor I could ask for during my first semester as an associate editor. You gracefully and kindly showed me the ropes, answering all of my questions and second-guessing.
Rainna and Vale, thank you both for making our p-staff family whole. You both work under a diligence that never fails to impress me, and being able to witness our growth thanks to you all has been my greatest pleasure. Whatever you all do, don’t be strangers.
Yesenia, my one regret is that I only got to be your fellow associate for one semester. When we first began to work together, I could sense your commitment from a mile away. Your hardworking nature is admirable beyond words and has truly pushed me to become a better person in and out of the Texan. I never thought I would be able to click with someone so fast, and like the ambitious person you are, you proved me wrong. Thank you.
Newton, I am thinking about when I first properly met you during the last night of print in both of our first semesters at the Texan. I saw myself in you as we chatted about where our English degrees would take us and what “the dream” was for us. A summer later, you offered me a chance to leap from general staffer to associate editor, and the peak of my time in the Texan began. I have loved getting to scrutinize words, question people on Speedway for our reels and help run the department alongside you. You flipped this department on its head and have fearlessly turned it into what it is today. You are an absolutely cracked writer, I hope to one day reach your level. Thank you.
Thank you to my friends and family, and of course, thank you to The Daily Texan.
