They say you're supposed to live your life so that you regret nothing when recollecting decades of triumphs and trials.
Though I won't lament on my deathbed the four years I've spent in Austin, I regret in my 22nd year that I did not descend sooner the dark steps into the basement that houses The Daily Texan.
For better or worse, I am not the same person who paused timidly outside the heavy metal door, debating about whether to knock or walk inside.
The Daily Texan became my family when I needed one the most.
I think back to my high school newspaper and the final column I wrote as an editor. I knew at that point that I wanted to major in journalism, but I didn't know exactly what that meant.
I certainly didn't realize how quickly the years would pass.
For one of the first times in my life, I'm not exactly sure where I'm headed, but that's not such a bad thing.
Perhaps after 17 years of predictable monotony, it's time for a little excitement.
Thanks to everyone who helped me shake off my naiveté:
Laura - The best roommate I've ever had ... only sisters could get along as well as we did. I leave you memories of a keg party and victory party (both of which were worth the clean-up), me burning rice so badly we had to ditch a pot, the Keebler Elves flinging cookie dough and your 19th birthday. Thanks for taking care of me and for letting me take care of you. I love you.
Kat - You are one of the best friends I've had in a long time. We've spilled so many tears together this semester, whether laughing at ourselves or worrying about the future. You have no idea how much I'm going to miss you after we both move to different newsrooms. Thank you for your confidence, your advice, and your friendship. You're going places of which I can only dream.
Wes - I could not have been more fortunate that you were my first friend at the Texan. You've got what it takes to be the next Woodward. I leave you memories of ping-pong, Cannonball Run, and Pedernales. And thank you for my introduction to fermented beverages.
Stupak - Who the hell's Bob Woodward?
Ben H. - We were friends long before you started dating my sister, and we'll always be friends. You're spastic, neurotic and sarcastic, and I love you. Don't forget those campaign promises we made as you reign over the Opinion page next year. Congrats on achieving what seemed at first to be a futile effort.
Inks - I'll never forget senior-reporting next to you. You're a best friend to me, Inkser. I'll keep "woebegone" on my computer until he falls apart. Thanks for listening to me cry. We still have to take a trip to see Anderson Cooper in New York.
Willie K. - You continue to impress me with your encyclopedia as a brain. And if I ever get in touch with Earlene Meckenspretzel or Judith Zeckenmretzel, I'll tell them you sent me.
Keck - You are one of the only girls I can converse with about "Lord of the Rings." You are an awesome softball player, and you have a great sense of humor. Take care of Inks for me.
York - I can't wait to read about the conspiracies you unearth.
A.J. - For giving me my first rockgasm, I thank you. I'll miss our ritualistic fist-knock greetings. You are fabulously talented and a pleasure to be around. I can't wait to see what you make of yourself.
Anjali - Remember our inebriated moments together: telling secrets and dancing until we cry about leaving. I'll never forget the time my computer crashed after a 20-minute interview with Faulkner. Thanks for taking me to the bathroom. Covering the administration with you was a blast.
Nathan, Timbo, Michelle, Richard, Gabe and Garrett - Rollergirls, Tetris, Texas Hold 'Em,and swinging in the park at 2 a.m. after Posse. I wouldn't have made it through the semester without you all next door. The new neighbors will get tired of me accidentally walking in this summer. Much love and good luck.
Les - We still need to have our chick batting practice. Thanks to DT softball we became friends. Best wishes at Columbia.
Elliott - You know your stuff, and you're going places. Perhaps I'll read your articles in the WSJ someday.
Lomi - If your leg hadn't been broken last summer, I would still be clueless as to what I wanted to do with my journalism degree. I'm sorry you had to suffer, but I thank you for helping me cover the lege.
Emma, Megan, Claire, Rachna, Brandi - Thank you, ladies, for making the Texan feel like home this semester.
Dirty P and Goob - Good times, boys, good times. Thanks for all the parties.
Lilly R. - I'll never forget the day you called from England to find out who was appointed as managing editor. We had so much fun reporting together last summer, and I'm sorry I wasn't there this semester.
Chris N. - Thank you for opening my eyes. We've been through a whole lot in the past four years, and I wouldn't change it for the world.
Aaron Dubrow - The most knowledgeable TA in the DV lab. Thanks for being patient with me. Documentary class would not have been what it was without you.
Mark S. - Well Smoot, it's been four long years, and we're still friends. I'm sorry we were never at Hole In the Wall on the same night. Keep up the good work with the WT. You've got something good with the band.
Alicia D. - You and Smoot are some of my only friends left from our FIG four years ago. Thanks for your friendship, and good luck leaving Texas. You are braver than I am.
Casey Z. and Adrienne C. - I'll miss saying hello to my copy desk ladies.
Mel G. - No matter the weeks between the times we talk, we can still pick up right where we left off and never skip a beat. I can't believe you lived across the bathroom from me in Jester. Don't forget everything we've been through together (noises through the bathroom, guy stories and one pretty insane roommate).
Mu C., Bin C., Jennifer S., Nicole M., Thomas M., Brandon M., Mike B., Jones, Sasha H., Andy P. - I've loved bridging the gap with you guys. Wherever you end up, don't hate reporters ... we're not all bad.
Dave H. - Thanks for dissuading me from the "dark side" and into the print newsroom.
Laylan - If I ever have to write an article about dikes, at least I'll be able to spell it correctly next time. Thanks for your superior editing.
David P. - I'll never look at the table in the Senate chamber the same way.
My fellow broadcast majors: red and blue lights.
Melanie K. - Thank you for the year of friendship you've given me. I'm so proud of you and happy that you found Michael. You two are destined for happiness.
Phill 'The Thrill' R. - Thank you for everything ... you were always too nice to me. One day when you take over for David Letterman, keep a spot open on the set for me. I might need a job.
Jesús C. - I could always count on you for a big hug and a smile. Lots of love!
Emiko F. - Thanks for the help with hair and makeup before my first attempt at anchoring. I'll see you on television one day and think, "Hey, I was in her class!"
Thomas P. - Constantly surrounded by the ladies. You are loud and fun and full of happiness. Don't let Los Angeles change that. We still need to hang out in Port Aransas.
Justin S. and Brian T. - I'll always have a soft spot in my heart for you two.
Richard Garcia - For the inside scoop and copious story ideas. Don't forget the media after you're elected to office.
Kyle Steuck - You're one of the strongest people I've ever met. If it weren't for you, TSJCL would not have made it through the dust storms of Amarillo.
_. Ryan - For unintentionally calling me "skleiner," not realizing it would stick.
Connor - Don't hate me for trying to punch you.
MIS Group 16 - We're number one! And "One."
The Misguided Lemming plus Jeff - Thanks to Heath's campaign, we were able to come together. For those of you sticking around, keep on rockin' and rollin'. Jeff, break a leg in Chicago.
Manoj T. - You probably have known me better than anyone outside my family. I leave for you memories of completing each other's sentences, communicating without speaking, laughing so hard it hurt, driving over a dead dog, speeding tickets, and Cougar Tracks.
Mom and Dad - I owe to you everything I have done with my life. I love you.
Emily - I had to start and end with my sisters: You were there for me in the beginning, and you'll be there for me, when I bid the world sayonara. The only way this year could have been better is if you had decided to be a t-sip instead of a farmer. I'm so proud of you for making your own way and becoming the person you are. I want you to teach my children one day. Don't forget about Christmas and California. We can make fun of Laura's "s-turns" for eternity.
To everyone else who has touched my life: many thanks and best wishes for the future.
Be the first to comment on this article!