After joining The Daily Texan as an English major fresh to the reporting world, I needed a few tries to build confidence writing in a completely new style. I learned quickly that you cannot achieve what you want without asking and that curiosity opens countless doors.
With that mindset, I went from not knowing the difference between a lede and a nut graf to chasing stories I once thought were out of reach. Between seeing my work in print and covering South by Southwest, most importantly, I found something I didn’t expect: a place, a purpose and a community that transformed my time at UT.
Newton, you believed in me from the start. You encouraged me to apply when I wasn’t sure I was ready, and you continue to support me in ways that never go unnoticed. I remain endlessly grateful for you.
Riddhi, Layla and Ana — I couldn’t have asked for better editors. Riddhi, I would not be here without you. You took a chance on me when I needed it most and guided me through every step. Layla, you are effortlessly cool in a way I will always admire, and Ana, your kindness and spirit are unmatched. I learned so much from you three, and I’m so lucky to have had you all as mentors.
Angelina, Charlotte and Brynn — each of you brings something uniquely special to the newsroom. Angelina, every moment with you guarantees a great time, and I can’t wait to see you kill it in New York. Charlotte, you possess a tenderness I rarely see, and I thank you for being my red carpet buddy. Brynn, I can’t think of someone more deserving to lead Life&Arts this summer; you are going to thrive.
Tyler, ping-pong bonded us in ways I never expected. Your dedication makes you one of the best reporters I know. I’ll be cheering from the sidelines when your Moody remodel gets greenlit.
Tiffany and Sydnie, your tenacity and instinct for storytelling will take you far. Being on permanent staff wouldn’t have been the same without you two, and I look forward to reading everything you write.
To returning and future Lartists, take advantage of everything this department offers. Let your curiosity take control, and go for stories that feel out of reach. It will take you further than you expect.
Michael, Ysa, Dom, Makenna and Justin — your ability to tell a story through a single shot never ceases to amaze me. Your talent is undeniable, and I feel lucky to have worked alongside you.
To the art, copy and management teams, your dedication behind the scenes shapes every story in ways that often go unseen but never unappreciated. To the social department and Texas en Español, your work allows us to reach the amazing audience we have today.
Peter, thank you for always encouraging us to do better and being the journalistic guidance this paper needs. From “Kathryn’s Twink is satisfactory” to “This feels too niche to me,” I appreciate every 2 a.m. critique, no matter how blunt they are.
To everyone I’ve had the privilege of interviewing, thank you for trusting me to share your stories. You’ve shown me perspectives, passions and communities that have made me fall in love with this city that I can proudly call home.
To The Honors College at Lone Star College-Montgomery, and to Michael Maningas and Dr. Katharine Caruso — you taught me to take chances on myself before I knew how. I would not be at the Texan, let alone UT, without your unconditional support.
To Riley, Ava, Ethan, Joey and Chris, you tagged along with me to events, read my work and supported me every step of the way. Those moments mean more than you know.
Mom, Dad and Travis, thank you for everything — I love you always. A friend once asked me why I had picked up several flipbooks, and it warmed my heart to say they were for you guys. I would not love music and movies the way I do now if I didn’t have the coolest family ever. Every story I wrote carried a piece of you with it, and everything I’ve done here has been, in part, for you.
When I joined the Texan, I just wanted to try something new. Now, as graduation awaits, I’m leaving with a passion for storytelling and a future I hadn’t imagined for myself — one that I hope keeps me in media. More than anything, this place gave me the confidence to ask, to reach out and to take chances.
And for that, I’m not ready to say goodbye.
