Life&Arts Co-Editor will miss the position she never asked for

It was midnight in London — and I had a throbbing headache and ear infection — when Tyler called asking me to be Life&Arts Co-Editor with him for the summer. I said yes, obviously.

I had initially planned to stick to desk editor — I would be studying abroad in Ireland and visiting family in England for a good part of the summer. However, this feels like the position I have been working towards since my very first day at the Texan.

When I toured UT, a Daily Texan staffer told me I should apply. After spending high school writing for the newspaper nobody knew we had, I felt so excited to join a “real” paper. I applied as immediately as I could. That application proved to be the best decision I ever made.

The Texan worked as exposure therapy for my social anxiety. At first, even interviewing campus organizations daunted me. I later got to interview King Princess, Noah Kahan and meet Bob Woodward. When the Bob Woodward tells you to continue doing journalism, you are obligated to continue doing journalism.

I’d like to think my social anxiety improved, but I will always have trouble mustering up the nerve to go up to strangers. Once the initial discomfort passes, though, I find myself in some of the most meaningful conversations — with people I met 5 minutes prior!

While I covered events like Austin City Limits, South by Southwest and even SXSW London, my favorite stories came from the community. I learned how Life&Arts can complement hard news. During hardship, people need expression.

I took my skills from the Texan with me to cover Dublin’s LGBTQ+ community. In the fall, I will learn about Los Angeles’ iconic entertainment industry in the UTLA program.

Our adviser, Peter Chen, always says that lifelong friends are made at the Texan. I didn’t need to join a spirit group or sorority at UT. The Texan was my spirit group. Here’s to many years of friendship with Sabrina, Flora, Jane and Tyler — the first and longest running friendships I made at the Texan.

Thanks to my first editor, Mimi, for scaring me into working harder than ever during my first semester, and thanks to all of my past editors for their wisdom.

A big thanks to Flora for appointing me to senior reporter after I spent three semesters slumming it as a general reporter. Thanks Ana, Angelina and Brynn for making my last fully in-person semester so delightful. Ana, my style and literary icon, I can’t wait to see what you do at UTSA. Layla, your wittiness kept me sane in the fall, and Newt, I loved seeing your face at unofficial Texan socials. Avelyn, your support is unmatched. I can’t wait to see you in LA.

Shoutout to Atyanna, who I knew from the Texan but didn’t get close with until we bonded over Cappello’s pasta and “Normal People” during our month rooming together in Ireland. I know you will continue to do great things at the Texan and beyond.

Ysa, getting to work with you while at the Texan and studying abroad proved a blessing. I can’t wait to see your future work — maybe as a professional horse photographer.

Lorianne, thanks for being my role model. You inspire me to be a better journalist every day. I’m still jealous you photographed The 1975.

Thanks to Justin and Tyler for pulling me in to work as Co-Editor this summer. Thanks, Adam, for your hard work as Associate Editor after just being a general reporter last semester! I trust you and Sydnie to keep Life&Arts afloat.

Sydnie, the Texan’s Andie Anderson, thanks for picking up Desk Editor and being such a badass. I’ll never forget your Galentine’s Day party. Thanks to Samantha and Tiffany for always showing up and showing out. Kudos to my incredible new staffers who became journalists over the course of a summer.

Peter, thanks for finally learning my name after three years. The first time I met you, I was terrified. I received a PR package to the basement and thought I would be fired. Thanks for sparing me. I’ll keep you in mind in LA — let me know if there’s any hometown treats you’re missing.

To the Binchies, the cool older sisters I never had, thanks for always soothing my stress with a girl’s night. Thanks Tori, Trenton and Emily for being my rocks throughout my three years at UT. I couldn’t have done any of this without you.

Mom and Dad, I appreciate you always pushing me to follow my passions. Thanks to my family overseas who, if they actually read my stories, extend The Daily Texan’s reach to Australia. Thanks to my Granny D and VanaPa, whom I send physical copies of my articles, for subscribing to my own personal mailing list. I love you all.

Lastly, thanks to every single person I met at the Texan for making endless hours spent in a windowless basement so enjoyable.

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