When I was a freshman, I had one main goal when applying to The Daily Texan: fill the empty spots in my schedule. And, of course, I wanted to join a community of like-minded individuals, as we all say. Now, five semesters later, “No, I can’t, I have the Texan,” has become my friend’s most dreaded phrase to hear when making plans with me.
As an English major, my love for editing originally led me towards the copy department. However, I quickly realized that copy editing and my academic editing were two different skills. Slowly, but surely, though, I learned the ropes of AP Style, Daily Texan House Style and fact-checking. See? I didn’t use my beloved Oxford comma! I also promise that everything in this 30-column will be factually correct.
After two semesters as a general copy staffer, I became the double coverage copy editor in fall 2024. This coincided with the first semester of my Chinese introductory course. I do not recommend this. Yet, I was the most knowledgeable about college football as I will most likely ever be, which made me very popular with my uncles and cousins during the holidays. But more importantly, this position taught me about perseverance and self-reliance, which have enabled me to become the associate copy desk chief I am today. And through my time at the Texan, I truly have found a community of people who have supported me in some of my worst and best moments, along with filling up my once-empty schedule.
I want to start by thanking Alyssa, the very fearless leader of the copy department. While I may always joke that I was not qualified for the DC copy editor role, I don’t know where I would have ended up if I hadn’t gotten it. You have led us through unimaginable circumstances this semester, teaching me about not only copy editing but also leadership. This summer, when I asked if you were returning as the copy desk chief, I don’t think I would have returned if your answer was anything less than “yes” because there is no one else I would want to take my final bow with. For all these things, I am forever grateful.
Brian and Taylor, thank you for being the best fellow ACDCs a girl could ask for. You have made long nights in the Basement easier in more ways than one. Brian, thank you for always making me laugh and calling reporters for me when my social anxiety struck. Taylor, there is no one else I would have wanted to go on those Whataburger runs with. I am glad we could all bond over our shared love of cats.
I also want to thank all my lovely staffers, both past and present. I may not have always expressed it, but production would never have gone as smoothly without you. You truly are the backbone of this paper. Even if you only stay at the Texan for a semester, I hope you take something meaningful out of it, whether it be a friendship, a skill or a new passion.
Kylee, Matthew and Newton, thank you for being such an amazing management team. I thoroughly enjoyed all our late-night food runs. Newton, I can’t wait to see where you lead the paper next semester, and I wish you the best of luck. To all the reporters and editors I’ve ever messaged, all I can really say is I’m sorry for all those questions, but I’m eternally grateful for your patience. And I want to give a special thank you to Grace — you were missed this semester, but I will always cherish our time in DC.
Peter, thank you for your guidance these last few semesters. You may still sometimes exchange my name with “Mya,” but to be honest, I’ve never really minded. Another thing you may have forgotten was when you suggested that I become the “hammer” of copy leadership. This, sadly, never happened, and I apologize.
Lastly, I want to thank my family. Thank you to my mom and dad for supporting me and making sure that I got home safely on production nights. And I would like to thank my brother for listening to me ramble on the phone. I know it must have bored you, but as you know, I could talk forever.
Typically, I would say it’s a see you later, not a goodbye. But today, it’s a goodbye and thank you to The Daily Texan!
