Moving into my very first apartment ahead of my sophomore year, I had no furniture or dishes or anything practical to fill my new home. What I did have, however, was a single list typed up and taped inside my closet.
“To Pack and Wear,” read the title.
The list, a comprehensive catalogue written by Joan Didion and taped inside her own closet door, outlines all her packing essentials, preparing her to be ready at the drop of a hat to take on a new story. At the time, I had no journalism experience — and no journalistic aspirations — but somehow, I felt that this list must be the first item to fill my new room.
Deep down, I must have known what lay ahead.
In my junior year, I decided to pursue a second degree in English alongside my studies as an advertising student. In the hopes of gaining more writing experience, I applied to The Daily Texan at the recommendation of my boyfriend.
When I received my offer to join the Life&Arts department, I felt certain there had been some mistake. I had absolutely no idea what I was doing and worried my editors would soon find out that I had somehow slipped through the cracks. Despite these fears, I began writing. After my first story landed the cover, I began to think, “Maybe I could do this.” Now, nearly two years later, I cannot imagine my life without The Daily Texan.
Aside from my newfound distrust of the Oxford comma, The Daily Texan taught me more than I ever imagined possible. Taking on new stories each week, I met people and tried things I would’ve never done. I met business owners, community members and students whose passions inspired me to spend more time exploring my own hobbies and interests. I saw concerts and found new music I loved. Hell, I even spoke with UT’s first — and probably last — sperm-racing team. Try explaining that to your parents!
More than anything, writing became central to my life. Exploring journalism helped me realize my passion for writing and all things literature, something I will continue as I start a master’s degree in English at UTSA this fall.
While I am grateful for all that The Daily Texan gave me, nothing compares to the people I have met in the basement.
I have to thank the editors who came before me: Riddhi, for taking a chance on me and believing I could be a Senior Reporter before I did, and Layla, my forever editor and role model, who I admire more than she will ever know.
To my current team of senior reporters, I am so lucky to have three intelligent, hilarious and, I’ll say it, stylish journalists on my team. Having these gals as the backbone of our department made my job easy.
Our very own Carrie Bradshaw, Sydnie, I love watching you grow and push the boundaries of the department in all the best ways.
To my fellow soon-to-be Texas Ex, Katie, thanks for bringing your cool-girl style to the Senior Reporter position. I loved hearing your fascinating pitches each week and I am so excited to see all the amazing things you will do.
I can’t forget our Life&Arts movie expert and Entertainment Columnist, Tiffany. Your reviews are always sharp, witty and absolutely spot-on. Thanks for being the best red-carpet buddy a girl could ask for.
Beyond these three, all of the reporters this semester leave me feeling so proud, and sad to say goodbye. I loved reading all of their stories, and I look forward to reading them in The Daily Texan and beyond.
Thank you to my editing team, who kept me sane through pitches, edits, South by Southwest and all the other newfound responsibilities I took on this semester.
To my Desk Editor, Charlotte, it has been an honor to work with you and I am so excited to read your work from Ireland to LA and beyond. You’re all the best parts of Joan Didion and Eve Babitz rolled into one.
Angelina, I can’t wait to say I knew you when you’re writing for some cool magazine in New York and getting burgers with the rest of the “Twilight” cast. Unbelievably witty, smart and down for literally anything, Angelina is the kind of writer that makes you wish you wrote it first (that’s the best kind, in my opinion).
To my right-hand gal, Brynn, thank you for being my rock. There’s no one else I’d rather have by my side for all the chaos and fun the Life&Arts department brings. Brynn is everything I am not. She is firm but endlessly kind, not afraid to stand up for what she believes and entirely confident in her abilities. I learned more from Brynn than anyone. The department is truly in the best hands.
And, to an honorary “lartist” and my very good friend, Tyler. To me, you exemplify all that The Daily Texan stands for: ambition, passion, community and so much more.
Thank you to my family for reading (or at least, pretending to read) every story I sent them.
And finally, Ethan. Without you, none of this would have been possible.
