For the past year, there has not been a single day that I have not thought about the Texan. Brief mentions of an editorial idea nearly always spiral into a full-blown lecture. My notebooks are filled with scribbled interview questions and edit schedules. Flipbooks litter the backseats of my car, crumpled and flipped to page four — Opinion.
It is not that serving as editor-in-chief just so happened to take over my life, but precisely that I wanted it to.
Entering the basement for the first time, I was fearful of so much — the work, the people, the possibility of never finding my place on campus. But the Texan has taught me that fear can not be the motivating factor behind any decision I make. When I was given the opportunity to lead this publication, I was determined to never be deterred from publishing anything that deserved to be seen.
The terrified freshman walking down the Basement steps would not recognize the journalist writing this. For that, I am endlessly grateful.
Thank you to Lucero for your faith and excitement about my work. When I joined Opinion, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. You hired me, even with this in my application: “I have a LOT of opinions and feel the need to share them constantly. At least here they’d be welcomed :)” And welcomed they were.
My sweet, dear Editorial Board — Anjali, Emily, Tanya and Tenley, I have told you one million times how much I appreciate your work. But what’s one more? You are each so talented and joyful. The newsroom is never as vibrant as when you’re all in my office. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Ava, it’s your turn now. If your work at the Texan thus far has proven anything, it’s that you’ve got it, kid. Trust yourself.
To my managing editors, Ireland, Amelia, Katie, I have learned so much from and alongside each of you.
Peter, you recognized me as a leader before I did. Our conversations are always as enlightening and constructive as they are an opportunity for both of us to test-run our jokes. Maybe this column will earn me my first and last “needs work.”
The Opinion team deserves a moment of appreciation, too. My columnists, keep fighting for the change you want to see. Keep writing. Keep putting pressure on those with authority. My illustrators, you are truly incredible, each of you. Schuyler and Avery, our team would be incomplete without you.
To our staff, I am proud to have been your editor-in-chief. This publication could not function without each of you. Your work never goes unnoticed or unappreciated.
The Daily Texan is nothing without our readers. Thank you for giving me this opportunity and for trusting me to serve as your editor this year. I hope I have served you well.
Who would have thought leaving the opinion office would mean I’d find people to goof off with all day, every day? Alyssa, Naina, Athena, Raya, Kylee, Aaron, my time spent with you confirms that ping pong breaks and late-night fast food runs may actually make my writing better.
Vivien and Matthew, the news and opinion crossover was just what we all needed. You two are incredibly talented reporters and even better friends. My best work this semester was only made possible by your support.
The Texan has brought me more friendships than I could have hoped for. Manoo, I’ll never say no to you taking my portrait. Carla, the most talented and color-coordinated designer I know, your kindness in and out of the Basement has meant the world to me. Charlotte, my soon-to-be roomie, I am so grateful I ventured into Photo and met you. Texan connections never stray too far, and the two of us signing our lease in the Basement is proof.
Working in a place where people care this deeply about their work and each other is not an opportunity that many get. But it is not one I have taken for granted either.
I am leaving The Daily Texan knowing I gave this paper everything I had. But somehow, it has given me so much more in return.
Henningsen is an advertising and English senior from Austin, Texas. She was the editor-in-chief.
