Official newspaper of The University of Texas at Austin

The Daily Texan

Official newspaper of The University of Texas at Austin

The Daily Texan

Official newspaper of The University of Texas at Austin

The Daily Texan

Kaiya Little, Life & Arts Senior Reporter

Kaiya is a journalism freshman who is currently serving as a Life & Arts senior reporter. She started out as a general reporter in Fall 2021. Her current obsessions include rewatching the same shows over and over, aimless Twitter scrolling and making new playlists.

All content by Kaiya Little
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Turkey and Tunes: The Daily Texan’s cooking playlist for Thanksgiving preparation

Reya Mosby,, Sage Dunlap, and Kaiya Little November 21, 2022

As Thanksgiving approaches, Austinites scour the grocery store aisles, stocking their carts with a mountain of ingredients that will shortly transform into their holiday meal. However, chefs need one more...

Sophomore Longhorn powerlifters travel to Turkey for University Powerlifting Cup competition

Sophomore Longhorn powerlifters travel to Turkey for University Powerlifting Cup competition

Kaiya Little, Life & Arts Desk Editor November 1, 2022

Metal chills the back of Niels Levy-Thiebaut’s neck as he lowers himself into a squat under the bar. Around him, spectators quiet into nothing, and the adrenaline rushing in his chest slows to a gentle...

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ACL survival guide: stay hydrated, charged, prepared

Kaiya Little, Life & Arts Desk Editor October 4, 2022

The serene grounds of Zilker Park will soon be filled with lively concertgoers at this year’s Austin City Limits Music Festival. Braving the crowds, weather and endless entertainment options can be an...

Liveshot: Misterwives at Longhorn City Limits

Liveshot: Misterwives at Longhorn City Limits

Kaiya Little, Life and Arts desk editor September 20, 2022

Soaked in blue stage lights and the setting sun, MisterWives frontwoman Mandy Lee captured the Saturday football game crowd with “find my way home” as an opener to the New York quintet’s show.  Amidst...

Photo Gallery: Student Style

Photo Gallery: Student Style

The start of September in Austin has brought cool(ish) temperatures and even cooler fits to campus. Check out the Texan's gallery for the latest looks on Speedway!

Tat Tuesday: Artist celebrates love for art, grandmother’s life through tattoo

Tat Tuesday: Artist celebrates love for art, grandmother’s life through tattoo

Kaiya Little, Life and arts desk editor August 30, 2022

Eyes traveling the length of a mirror, Stacy Nguyen surveys the space beneath the crease of her elbows where twin typewriter-style numbers stand stark against her skin. When placed together, the two...

Student-run baking business “Val’s Sweets” instills comforts from home

Student-run baking business “Val’s Sweets” instills comforts from home

Kaiya Little , Life & Arts Reporter May 9, 2022

Chalky trails of powdered sugar stick to Valeria Rocha’s palms as she briskly moves through her kitchen. The sweet smell of a classic vanilla cake hangs around her.  Breathing in the scent, Rocha...

Tat-Tuesday: Samarth Thawani honors childhood hobbies

Tat-Tuesday: Samarth Thawani honors childhood hobbies

Kaiya Little , Life & Arts Reporter May 8, 2022

Editor's note: This article first appeared in the May 3, 2022 flipbook. At the bend of Samarth Thawani’s inner arm, a play and two skip buttons wrap across his skin like a band.  Without the melodies...

Netflix’s ‘Along for the Ride’ stars Belmont Cameli, Emma Pasarow talk getting in character, book to film adaptation

Netflix’s ‘Along for the Ride’ stars Belmont Cameli, Emma Pasarow talk getting in character, book to film adaptation

Kaiya Little, Senior Life & Arts Reporter May 3, 2022
Ahead of its premiere, The Daily Texan took part in a virtual college roundtable to speak with Cameli and Pasarow about their characters, filming experiences and prepwork. 
Tat Tuesday: Navya Sirohi carries her grandmother’s kitchen to Austin

Tat Tuesday: Navya Sirohi carries her grandmother’s kitchen to Austin

Kaiya Little, Life and Arts Reporter April 29, 2022

Editor's Note: This article first appeared in the April 26, 2022 flipbook. Flush against her collarbone, numbers inch along Navya Sirohi’s skin, forming an orderly line. Strung together, the single...

Tat Tuesday: Finding balance, showcasing passions through tattoos

Tat Tuesday: Finding balance, showcasing passions through tattoos

Kaiya Little, Life and Arts Reporter April 22, 2022

Editor's Note: This article first appeared in the April 19, 2022 flipbook. Centered between the margins of a notebook page, Lauryn Midgett neatly completed the outline of Saturn encircled by lead-gray...

‘We have an assault on teaching real history’: Keynote speaker Carol Anderson talks historic, current suppression of Black voters at 2022 Eric Williams Memorial Lecture

‘We have an assault on teaching real history’: Keynote speaker Carol Anderson talks historic, current suppression of Black voters at 2022 Eric Williams Memorial Lecture

Kaiya Little , Life & Arts Reporter April 19, 2022

Taking the stage after a round of opening remarks, author and professor Carol Anderson smiled at the crowd, which included 50 in-person attendees and 60 tuning in via livestream, extending a warm welcome...

Students showcase their love for reading through bookstagram accounts

Students showcase their love for reading through bookstagram accounts

Kaiya Little, Senior Life and Arts reporter April 12, 2022

Thumbing through the pages of a thriller, Emily Bradley’s eyes pick up the pace, moving quickly from line to line. Among the many books on the human dimensions of organizations sophomore’s bookshelf,...

Tattoo serves as a special reminder of childhood memories

Tattoo serves as a special reminder of childhood memories

Kaiya Little, Life and Arts Reporter April 8, 2022

Editor's Note: This article first appeared in the April 5, 2022 flipbook. When Lauren Cameron drags her fingers across the smooth lines etched onto her arm, she said she imagines her younger self holding...

Our Worlds’ Kilma Lattin talks using technology to share Native American, Indigenous narratives at SXSW

Our Worlds’ Kilma Lattin talks using technology to share Native American, Indigenous narratives at SXSW

Kaiya Little , Life & Arts Reporter March 23, 2022

This week at SXSW, Kilma Lattin, founder and CEO of historical world-building company Our Worlds, presented his short film project using immersive augmented reality technology to tell the story of members...

SXSW announces sponsorship by NFT studio, students discuss impact and intent

SXSW announces sponsorship by NFT studio, students discuss impact and intent

Kaiya Little, Senior Life & Arts Reporter March 23, 2022

Editor's Note: This article first appeared in the March 11, 2022 SXSW flipbook. In January 2022, South by Southwest announced its plans to collaborate with sponsor, Fox Entertainment’s new unit —...

Australian singer-songwriter Eliza Hull discusses her music, disability, platform

Australian singer-songwriter Eliza Hull discusses her music, disability, platform

Kaiya Little, Senior Life & Arts Reporter March 21, 2022
The Daily Texan spoke with Hull about her career and advocacy platform ahead of her final show Saturday.
Artists Eliza Hull, Lachi, Ruth Lyon discuss challenges, change in panel ‘Disability: Is the Future of Music Accessible?’

Artists Eliza Hull, Lachi, Ruth Lyon discuss challenges, change in panel ‘Disability: Is the Future of Music Accessible?’

Kaiya Little, Senior Life & Arts Reporter March 21, 2022
Eliza Hull hosted a panel Friday featuring the voices of disabled artists and event coordinators to explore the industry’s potential to be truly accessible. 
Alternative/rock duo Lowertown discuss latest EP, tour life at SXSW

Alternative/rock duo Lowertown discuss latest EP, tour life at SXSW

Kaiya Little, Life & Arts Reporter March 20, 2022

Atlanta-based duo Lowertown made their first-ever stop at SXSW this week while traveling the country opening for Wet Leg, a British band currently on a North American tour. Lowertown consists of 20-year-old...

‘Under the Influence’ creators Casey Neistat, Christine Vachon talk documenting rise, fall of David Dobrik’s internet fame

‘Under the Influence’ creators Casey Neistat, Christine Vachon talk documenting rise, fall of David Dobrik’s internet fame

Kaiya Little, Senior Life & Arts Reporter March 14, 2022
In early 2019, Casey Neistat, filmmaker and Youtube star, set out with producer Christine Vachon to start a conversation about social media sensationalism and its real-world consequences in the documentary “Under the Influence.”
Students, UT counseling staff reflect on ways academic stress can play out in everyday life

Students, UT counseling staff reflect on ways academic stress can play out in everyday life

Kaiya Little, Life and Arts Reporter February 25, 2022

Editor's Note: This article first appeared in the Feb. 21, 2022 in the flipbook. Fumbling at soft fabric with caffeine-shaky hands, Danny Nguyen says his nights begin once he pulls the makeshift curtain...

Siblings attending UT together find comfort in sticking together

Siblings attending UT together find comfort in sticking together

Kaiya Little, Life and Arts senior reporter February 24, 2022

Following the familiar path from her dorm, Alexa Ornelas stopped in front of UT’s Littlefield Fountain, illuminating her body with its lights. Closing her eyes, she said the iconic spot consistently...

Freshman psychology major Emily Tran shows off one of her tattoos in Jester West. She got her tattoos to represent time shared with important people in her life.

Tat-Tuesday: Sorority offers friendship, shared adventures to tattoo parlor

Kaiya Little, Life & Arts Reporter February 15, 2022

As air rushed against her bare legs on the tattoo parlor’s leather seat, Emily Tran said her body prickled with nerves. Resolutely looking away from the tattoo gun as it met the vulnerable skin of...

Tat-Tuesday: Marilyn Howell shares her Tattoo mishap turned good memory

Tat-Tuesday: Marilyn Howell shares her Tattoo mishap turned good memory

Kaiya Little, Life and Arts senior reporter February 11, 2022

Editor's Note: This article first appeared in the Feb. 8, 2022 flipbook. Slouched against the seat of her car, Marilyn Howell said she remembers the salty taste of tears cascading down her cheeks and...

Tat Tuesday: Graci Hale finds meaning, comfort through tattoos

Tat Tuesday: Graci Hale finds meaning, comfort through tattoos

Kaiya Little, Life and Arts senior reporter February 4, 2022

When biology freshman Graci Hale turned 18, she could already trace the imagined letters of her dream tattoo winding across the inside of her arms. Within a week, she found herself stepping inside a tattoo...

Student-author talks journey after book publication

Student-author talks journey after book publication

Kaiya Little, Life & Arts Reporter February 3, 2022

When she first saw the package outside of her front door, Taylor Franklin said she felt dizzy with disbelief. As she gently removed the book nestled inside and ran her fingers down its neatly bound spine,...

Students reflect on appeal, sentimentality of collecting physical music

Students reflect on appeal, sentimentality of collecting physical music

Kaiya Little, Life and Arts senior reporter January 28, 2022

Editor's note: This article first appeared in the Jan. 25, 2022 flipbook. Drawn out by a record player’s needle, the final notes of a song meet the open air, lingering just slightly past its end. Tilting...

Longhorn Feature Twirler Aidyn Mentry bakes for a cause

Longhorn Feature Twirler Aidyn Mentry bakes for a cause

Zoe Tzanis and Kaiya Little  January 25, 2022
UT's 34th Feature Twirler, Aidyn Mentry, performs for thousands on the Forty Acres, while simultaneously baking to support breast cancer research. She has donated over $40,000 to Susan G. Komen in the last 12 years.
Netflix’s ‘Cheer’ season two struggles to reconcile  controversy with its typical uplifting story

Netflix’s ‘Cheer’ season two struggles to reconcile controversy with its typical uplifting story

Kaiya Little, Life and Arts senior reporter January 20, 2022

CW:  child and sexual abuse  “Cheer,” a Netflix original series that documents the heart and politics of the collegiate cheer world, captivated many viewers after its initial 2020 release. Now,...

Presidents of female professional organizations discuss confidence, growth

Presidents of female professional organizations discuss confidence, growth

Kaiya Little, Life & Arts General Reporter December 1, 2021

Swallowing a lump in her throat, Gabrielle Edwards looked at the 150 pairs of eyes staring back at her on Zoom. Each Zoom box contained a member of her organization she wanted to impress. As Edwards...

Older students share advice for finding apartments during yearly rush for leasing

Older students share advice for finding apartments during yearly rush for leasing

Kaiya Little, Life and Arts Reporter November 9, 2021
Even with experience searching the housing market, many students don’t feel confident navigating Austin’s real estate. 
UT women’s water polo team preps for new season with mostly new team

UT women’s water polo team preps for new season with mostly new team

Kaiya Little November 5, 2021

A rush of cold hits Natalie Aquinosisk’s face as she jumps and cuts through the surface of the water. Like a flipped switch, the only thing on her mind is the game ahead. The stress of a bad day subsides...

MedstART combines students’ interest in medicine and art to help the community

MedstART combines students’ interest in medicine and art to help the community

Kaiya Little, Life and Arts General Reporter October 26, 2021

Whenever Maisie Nievera passes through a doorway, she notices small details about the space around her. She begins taking mental notes, contemplating possible improvements or adjustments.  It’s become...

Students, staff share experiences, tips for class registration

Students, staff share experiences, tips for class registration

Kaiya Little, Life and Arts Reporter October 19, 2021
Students can access campus resources like major-specific advisers, the Vick center for academic advising and the course catalog to ease registration stress, but many still feel overwhelmed at the process each semester.
Mitski’s new single invites listeners to feel vulnerable alongside her

Mitski’s new single invites listeners to feel vulnerable alongside her

Kaiya Little, Life & Arts General Reporter October 11, 2021

After three years in relative silence, singer-songwriter Mitski took to social media on Oct. 5 with the surprise release of her single, “Working for the Knife.” Announcing her first tour dates since...

UT professor awarded 2020 Dent Medal by Royal Music Association

UT professor awarded 2020 Dent Medal by Royal Music Association

Kaiya Little, Life & Arts General Reporter October 6, 2021

Editor's Note: This article first appeared as part of the September 24 flipbook. In accordance with his morning routine, professor Eric Drott scrolled through his inbox, checking his abundance of emails....

Attending different colleges creates distance between twins

Attending different colleges creates distance between twins

Kaiya Little, Life and Arts Reporter September 30, 2021
For students who have a twin, college is often their first experience being apart from their sibling for a long period of time.
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