Let me preface this by saying that I love The Daily Texan, but damn, nothing ever went my way at this place.

I came here thinking I wanted to be a writer. As an overly ambitious freshman, I eagerly joined as a general news reporter, and I took nearly every opportunity to write about social issues, University affairs and Texas politics. 

Before I knew it, I was a senior news reporter, and I was ready to take over the journalism world. 

That was until … I burned out. 

I was a senior news reporter for only about one week. I stepped down, wondering if I wasn’t cut out to be a journalist anymore. 

But I still wanted to give the Texan another try, so I joined the video team, and I rediscovered my passion for reporting and visual storytelling. 

That’s not to say the rest of my Texan journey was any simpler. I got rejected from becoming a senior videographer once and associate video editor twice. 

I joined the audio department and unexpectedly wound up being their editor for one summer, even though I barely had any podcasting experience at the time.

Eventually, I applied to become video editor, but got asked to stay on as audio editor instead. 

And when I finally decided I would spend the rest of my Texan career as a dedicated senior videographer, I got an email from management: “We need a video editor, are you up for it?” And I said, “Of course.”

Then, right when I thought my Texan journey was about to wrap up, I was asked to join management as the next Director of Digital Strategy.

Now, after a dozen-something news articles, six podcasts, one award-winning documentary and probably close to a hundred video bylines to my name, I can officially say I’m done with this place. 

I’ve spent nine semesters grinding away in the Basement on 25th and Whitis. I met all my friends in doing so and looking back, I wouldn’t have spent my college career any other way. 

Colton, Kevyn and Miranda: thanks for being literally the best p-staff team I could have asked for. Pushing out close to 50 videos my Video Editor semester is by far one of my biggest Texan achievements, and I wouldn’t have been able to do any of that without y’all. There’s no one I would have trusted more with the department than you guys. Sorry I pranked y’all by announcing an early retirement. 

Areebah and Sanne: y’all were the first friends I made at the Texan. It’s been so long since we were all in the basement together, but there’s nothing I wouldn’t give to relive those late nights. Wherever y’all end up in the future, I hope we’ll always stay in touch. 

Kirthi: I don’t think I’d have passed any classes my video editor semester, had it not been for you. I’m so grateful we met, and thanks for always being so supportive of my Texan journey long after you left. Sorry I didn’t know you existed freshman year. 

Trinity, Aislyn, Steph, Chloe and Lorianne: most of y’all were never even my editors, but I’m so glad we met. You are all such accepting and kind people that have kept me going through all the hardship. Thank you all for being so supportive of my career and ambitions. 

Hannah, Avery, Mazzy and Tyler: I have to admit, I never quite knew what I was doing as Digital Director, but thanks for trusting me as y’all’s fearless leader regardless. Because of y’all, I know the future of digital is in good hands. 

Lastly, Kylee, Newt, Matthew and Ava: Thanks for finding a way to keep me here for two more semesters. A lot of people rightfully think spending your final semester of college managing a place like the Texan is a crazy idea, but I wouldn’t trade our late nights in the basement and y’all’s drum pad performances for anything. 

(P.S. Newt – sorry I forgot to write you an M.E. recommendation, but if you decide to run for a second term, I will gladly endorse you!)