Passing the torch

As graduating leaders leave their outlets behind, new Student Media leaders reflect on what they inherited and what they hope to build next.

May 12, 2026

Jonathan Stewart

Student Media members gather for a group photo at the end-of-semester banquet.

Mickey Dolphin

Retiring Editor-in-Chief of AMP

At time of writing, the fact that I’m leaving AMP still hasn’t fully sunk in. Occupying the office in my downtime has become a habit that I’m honestly gonna miss a lot, stinky couch included — seriously, we’re gonna have to wash that thing at some point. All of this is to say, it’s been a good run. The last thing I expected when pitching my first article to AMP was to eventually lead the charge, and although it didn’t happen under the most ideal circumstances, I’ve treasured these few months as EIC like nothing else. My parting advice to the AMPlings I leave behind is this: Take it easy, but take it! Make as genuine of an effort as possible, and be kind to yourself when things don’t go how you want. Be compassionate, but assertive. Be bold, but empathetic. This will get you everywhere in life. Anyway, godspeed you beautiful free speech warriors. Hopefully the next time you see me I’ll be a writer for The Onion’s new and improved reincarnation of InfoWars.

Lauren Rodriguez

Retiring Station Manager of UTD TV

UTDTV is undoubtedly one of the best things to ever happen to me. It’s been with me throughout my entire college experience and I can’t imagine life without it. It not only introduced me to a new passion, but a group of people I call family. I’m so proud to be in an outlet as passionate and creative as TV. When I first joined, we were arguably the smallest outlet in Student Media, with very little community. It’s now grown into something I never thought was possible, all thanks to the incredible members. It’s so hard to pick a favorite moment from the last 4 years, but one that sticks out was traveling to Oklahoma to film “Immensity of Vacancy.” Working with such a talented cast and crew who I’m lucky enough to call my best friends is something I’ll cherish forever. My advice to Cristobal and all the new management of TV is soak up. every. second. Before you know it, you’ll be graduating and reminiscing on the 10 hour shoots (yes, even the ones outside in freezing weather). Don’t take any moment for granted, because it really does fly by. These are the stories you’ll tell your kids, so be present in them now! I am so proud of you guys and can’t wait to see all you accomplish!

Looking ahead

As Student Media says goodbye to graduating leaders, a new group of editors and managers are stepping into their roles to continue building on their work.

Kezia Sunil

Managing Editor of The Mercury

Joining The Mercury has been one of the best decisions I have made at UTD. I have met people who changed my life, watched this paper grow into something I am genuinely proud of and somehow got infected with a love for journalism. (I am still recovering… send help please.)

Watching Jane lead The Mercury with so much passion inspired that same passion in me. And seeing how dedicated, talented and occasionally sleep-deprived our writers, artists, managers and editors are has made me so proud to be part of this newsroom.

Being part of The Mercury has never been easy, but being surrounded by people who care this much makes every late night, stressful deadline and slightly chaotic production week worth it. I have fallen so deeply in love with our people and our paper, and I feel so lucky to help carry that forward.

Before The Mercury, I had my life planned out: do a bunch of CS extracurriculars, become a software engineer, make a nice paycheck and live peacefully. Then, journalism happened. No matter what I end up doing, I know I will carry the love and passion I found in the newsroom into every part of my life, especially wherever my future career takes me.

As managing editor, I promise to work hard to help produce a paper UTD students can be proud of — one that keeps students informed and occasionally entertained. Read our work, critique us honestly and hold us accountable. I cannot wait to keep growing as a student journalist and help shape The Mercury into something that continues to impact UTD every day.

Nathaniel Cook

Editor-in-Chief of AMP

So, I’m the Editor-in-Chief of AMP now. It’s honestly kind of surreal being in this position. I recall my first tour of UTD’s campus over two years ago, in March 2024, when I picked up my first issue of the magazine. The cover featured a portrait of the superhero Daredevil, advertising an article within it written by my now good friend, and our graduating Editor-in-Chief, Mickey Dolphin. I fell in love with AMP, and it was a hard fall. It was a major reason for my attending this university, as it kick-started my love for this campus’ culture with its unique weirdness.

Naturally, I began writing for the publication as soon as I could. My first article ever was about queer representation in horror movies, which was fitting for the October 2024 issue. Looking back, it feels so strange that I just saw it as a little hobby. I had no idea that I would rise up through the staff so rapidly, or that I’d begin to miss all of my graduating friends and mentors so dearly. I really just hope that I can do them justice in my new role.

Cristobal Santamaria

Station Manager of UTD TV

Going into college, the number one thing I was excited about was not getting a job (hopefully), it was the extracurriculars. And if I could recommend one club to any UTD student it would be UTDTV, and I genuinely believe if you show up once you won’t want to leave. No experience needed, no pressure. Whether you want to run a camera, edit footage, compose music, act, direct, design graphics, animate, write a script, or just show up to a movie night and meet new friends, there is a spot for you here.

I am so thankful for the way Lauren has given so much passion and care into this club, to the point that everyone in her life can tell how much she loves it. With UTD having no film department, my goal is for UTDTV to continue being THE film outlet on this campus. So inspiring to see Lauren, Michael, Caleb, Kayra, Clark, & Josh giving it their all. I know our members will reminisce and cherish our seniors leaving us this year, scared of the unknown, but how beautiful it is that we can all feel this way. That same feeling is what we will bring to new students on this campus, and create cool films.

The UTD Mercury

The UTD Mercury

The UTD Mercury

Passing the torch

Looking ahead

The UTD Mercury

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