The first time one of my articles was published in The South Texan was October 3, 2019. It was the fifth issue of the 94th volume, and as I write my farewell to this publication, I round out my fourth year writing, my third and a half year as an editor and my second year as Editor-in-Chief, over 70 issues, and four volumes, I don’t even know where to begin. But what I do know is that I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity The South Texan gave me.
Walking on to campus as an 18 year old during orientation, I had no idea what I was going to do or what the specifics of my major would be. On a whim I chose communications, not knowing there were two concentrations, and when asked which one, something told me journalism, and four years later here I am. I’m a strong believer in that everything happens for a reason, why I ended up in a sophomore level journalism class my freshman year, why I took that one, yes just one, dual credit class my senior year of highschool that put me in that news writing class, I’ll never know. That class was my introduction to journalism, my introduction to the advisor that would guide me for four years, offering not only career but at times life advice. The introduction to the editors, my friends, I would grow close to and miss when they graduate, running to hug them when they visited campus. The introduction to the general manager whose time in undergrad helped me to be the editor I didn’t know I could be. The many mistakes and failures that taught me how to hold myself accountable when things go wrong, because things go wrong, people make mistakes and you learn. The South Texan wasn’t just a publication to me, it was a place of growth and achievement, it was a home I didn’t know I was searching for. As I look around at the knickknacks and letters from current and past editors that sit on my desk, I can’t help but to get emotional. I watched so many students come through and graduate and be successful, and I’ll admit it, I’m a little scared to leave, but I know The South Texan is in great hands. To the editors now and the editors to come, I hope you find meaning here, I hope you know this opportunity is great and I hope you know that you will always have a home here. As I prepare to cross the stage in a matter of days, I will always hold Manning 165 in my heart, this place is special. This place was my home, and I’ll always remember it as such.
