What a year we’ve had.
When I stepped onto campus in late August, The Mercury only had two staff members and no newsroom to speak of. At the same time, I was moving to Texas for the first time, joining a newly transitioned Division II volleyball program and beginning my freshman year at UTD.
Trusting a freshman editor-in-chief without a finished product to show for it was an incredible leap of faith. My staff, advisers and readers chose to believe in something before there was proof it would succeed, and for that, I will always be grateful.
Watching this staff grow into its own has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
I remember the days when we had no section editors and I spent countless nights editing articles and worrying about production deadlines. Before we had a photo editor, our art director spent hours editing photos themselves just to keep us going. There were moments this year when the tasks before me felt daunting, and publishing a newspaper seemed impossible.
One of the clearest memories I have is editing articles on a bus ride back from Kingsville at 2 a.m. while preparing for our first production only a few hours later. At the time, I didn’t know this level of stress was possible at my age.
When I first arrived on campus with few members, I would sit in an empty, undecorated office and wonder how heartbreaking it would be if The Mercury’s legacy disappeared entirely. I came from a high school newsroom built on strong traditions, but here, we had the rare opportunity to forge our own path. Being part of shaping the history of The Mercury has been a great responsibility, and I can’t wait to create traditions that the generations succeeding us can be proud of.
Amid all the uncertainty and change, I saw the office transform into exactly what students deserved all along: a welcoming and collaborative learning space. I barely recognize the office from last semester, and I could not be more proud of what this team has built.
The person who arrived on campus last fall feels very different from who I am now. Navigating dynamics and relationships between fellow students, university departments and organizations was often confusing and overwhelming, but it forced me to grow quickly as both a leader and a person.
This year, our art director, Taylor Henry, received the first intercollegiate award for The Mercury since the strike in 2024. We secured advertising deals, rebuilt relationships, published breaking news and printed seven issues. The amount of growth we have experienced in such a short amount of time made the hardships worth it.
To my first hire, Kezia Sunil: I am incredibly proud of how far you have come. From being my tabling buddy to covering complex issues and supporting me long before you became the managing editor, you have shown remarkable determination and resilience. The future of The Mercury is bright because of people like you.
There were people this year eager to define your abilities and quick to underestimate you. You have surpassed every expectation through your incredible dedication to The Mercury.
Putting your trust in a freshman editor-in-chief was a lot to ask, and I am endlessly thankful for everyone who supported us, challenged us and held us to a high standard.
If you have ever considered applying to The Mercury, let this be your sign to reach out. There is a place for you here as long as you are eager to learn.
As we move beyond rebuilding, I am excited to see what this newsroom becomes.
