The Daily Texan has undoubtedly shaped my college experience. I’ve always spent my weekdays attending classes in between interviews and working on rough drafts of stories, and my weekends researching pitches and coming up with story angles. I spent my nights in the basement, editing reporters’ tales and getting ready to start again the next day.
If I hadn’t started working for The Daily Texan in the fall of my freshman year, I wouldn’t be the journalist I am today. I only had one answer when asked if I wanted to apply for the news department that semester. The Daily Texan: What is it?
I had no idea how drastically my life would be altered by the response to that question.
I still have a lot to learn, even though I have definitely changed over the last three years from the student whose journalism background comprised solely of a love of writing. Although my tenure at the Texan may have ended, my commitment to journalism has not.
Thank you to Sam, Tori, Joelle, and Kylee, the news editors I’ve worked with, for teaching me how to be a leader. Without you, the news department would not be what it is now; you all laid the groundwork for what I developed upon last semester.
Pili, your presence last spring always made me feel better and added some light to the basement’s bleak, windowless nook. I am confident that you will be a fantastic leader and that the news section is in capable hands. Without you, empanadas won’t be the same.
Thank you for being you, Maryam and Erika. You two contribute to the news department’s pleasant atmosphere. From juggling classes to matcha nights, maintain the department’s camaraderie and never cease being the amazing journalists that you two are.
There are no words to describe my gratitude for your decision to apply for the Texan, Matthew. I can’t image the newsroom without you, even though you joined the department midway during my employment. Without your encouragement (and as my Cain & Abel’s companion), I could not have made it through last semester with my sanity intact. Your influence is irrevocable.
I have learned how to be a leader from my senior reporters, Dani, Diego, Caroline, Catharine, Isaiah, and Laura. Working with you guys and seeing your journalistic development has been an amazing privilege. I appreciate you writing such amazing essays last semester and relieving my stress.
You have the drive and the enthusiasm to keep writing, my general reporters!
I appreciate you being there, Peter. Even when I doubted myself, you never questioned me or my abilities. It means more than you could ever realize that you were always available to give advice and insight without passing judgment. You are the reason I am the leader I am today.
One of Peter’s most well-known quotes, for those who are unfamiliar with him, is “you get out of the Texan what you put into it.” Another is that, even when your time with the organization is over, the people you meet there will remain some of your best friends. In my experience, both statements are really accurate.
Your unwavering companionship made the long hours in the Basement tolerable, Alyssa, from the late-night drives to the innumerable dinners. Our vitamin D levels were affected by the absence of sunlight, but it was insignificant compared to my gratitude for you. I’m fortunate to have met you.
McKenzie I concur that we were lacking the news opinion collaboration, which was just what we needed. Working with and learning from you was an honor because you are a very good journalist. Having you as a friend is an even greater honor.
Manoo, I appreciate that you’re always willing to talk or do an impromptu photo shoot. The highlights of this semester and the news department were unmistakably captured in an embarrassing photo shoot with a JCPenneys theme.
One of the first persons I met at the Texan was you, Charlotte. Even if we didn’t remain, I will always be thankful that we both chose to work in the copy department that first semester.
I want to thank our readers for putting their trust in me as their news editor. Without your help, The Daily Texan would not be what it is today, and I hope that our coverage offered some much-needed clarifications in the midst of the current state, national, and international turmoil.
The globe may not be the best place for journalism at the moment, but don’t question the importance of what you all do, Texan crew. Take pride in your efforts and your accomplishments; I know I’m proud of you all. Continue to grow and learn. More fervent and committed journalists like you are needed in the world.
Until we meet again outside the Basement! The fearless commander formally signs off.
