Can I be honest? I’m a Texan fanatic. I remember imagining my work in the Texan from the moment I started my application nearly four years ago. Since my sophomore year of high school, I wanted to see my name in the staff column on the top left-hand corner of the Texan’s second page. Now that it’s there, I want to give someone else that shot.

When I first joined as a general video reporter, I wasn’t sure I’d be the right fit. Sure, you can want to do something, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be good at it. So, when I stepped into my first Wednesday night meeting, I was unbelievably nervous. As I leave, I know I shouldn’t have been.

I owe an enormous thank you to Joseph Sweeney for taking a chance on me in so many ways. You saw my potential and work ethic from my first year at the Texan. Two years later, I’m so grateful for your support. I wouldn’t trade my CMT Awards show partner for anything. See you in the San Antonio news market soon!

To Kevyn and Colton: You are both amazing videographers and even funnier peers. I’m so thankful to have had such reliable leaders on my summer team. When we joined the Texan that spring semester two years ago, I couldn’t believe we’d become so close. Thank you a million times over.

I’d also love to shout out some of my past team members: Amaya and Ky, the kindest souls I met at the Texan, who really taught me how to tell stories through a new lens. “Miss Black UT” is still my favorite production team of all time.

Thank you to the many amazing staffers and friends who made my time so memorable: Marisela, Hannah, Joseph, Riya, Sophia, Sofia, Piper and Sage! You all encouraged me in more ways than one to continue to improve upon myself and my work.

Thanks to Peter, even though we didn’t meet often, your “needs work” comments fueled my determination to get better.

Finally, thank you, Mom and Dad, for your understanding and support. You know better than anyone else what this means to me.

Over my time here, I’ve learned so much that it’s hard to capture in words: South by Southwest, CMT Music Awards, pageantry, CBD, West Campus life and everything in between. Any future story I tell about UT will always include my incredible time at the Texan.

And now, I can forever say I was part of the Texan. You’re welcome, sophomore Miranda. You dreamed about this moment for years — imagined your name in print and your work out in the world. It was worth every late-night edit, shoot, deadline and meeting.

Retired from “live on YouTube,” new career in journalism. Now for hire!