I can’t believe I’m finally writing my Swan Song. What do you mean I’m writing my Swan Song? I don’t even know where to begin. I’m writing this with an hour until the deadline, which is fitting to start on. 

I remember when I decided I wanted to transfer to Texas A&M, I just dove straight into an area where I’d only dipped my toe into. I was unfamiliar with traditions, myths, the squirrels — everything. But I did know I wanted to join the school newspaper, not even knowing the name, and eventually everything that it would bring me. 

My first semester in the dungeon was with people that are now passed down tales and was an era that felt like lifetimes ago. It wasn’t until my second semester on staff, my first as an editor, where it really picked up. 

After being thrown into a partnership with someone I’d never met, obviously I was looking around wondering, “How did I even get here?” Because what do you mean they trusted me enough to 1. Become an editor so soon and 2. Work with Mr. Ian Curtis to rebuild the desk. 

Life & Arts was my home for a year and half. I checked so many things off of a list that I didn’t even know existed and opened my eyes, truly, not just to a new world but also to things around me. It was also that semester where I actually started making friends in the office.

I’m not sure if it was the weird girl from the news desk or the outgoing sports dude that kept me laughing and hanging around, wondering what else I would hear in that room. This could also be said for every semester that followed. But I kept coming back, and it quickly became my second home. 

Last fall when I moved to the socials desk, all over again it was, “How did I get here? Why do they trust me?” I’ll actually always ask those questions, but for now I just know that I’ve been so gifted to be in an environment that was constantly encouraging, evolving and confirming. 

And as people graduated, new people moved into positions, and through that tragic cycle, I was met with more amazing, kinda insane, brilliant people. People who took a chance on me not only as their co-worker but also as a person and friend. With the ups and downs with many people joined together through the passion of writing and lollygagging, I wouldn’t trade that community for anything else. I can genuinely say it’s been such a privilege to experience so much while making some of my best friends.

Kynlee, of course we exchanged our first words and numbers at a tailgate. Sure! I could never thank you enough for everything you’ve done for me and our experiences together. You’ve been so understanding, encouraging, hilarious and I’m going to miss our regular drink runs so bad, princess. Scratch that, I’m just going to miss everything as you finish your senior year strong. And personally, I’m so glad you listened to Sophie. 

Kazda and Isa, thank you for making me feel normal, yet special, and being people who I’ll always treasure company and conversations with. You two are such beautiful, kind, smart, real souls, and the future shines so bright for you. I hope every movie you watch brings you joy in some way or another. 

Julius, Fallon and Ian, thank you for being my partners throughout these years and even more for your patience. You’ve each impacted me in different ways you’ll never know and have helped shape my experience for the better. No one can replace the individuals y’all are with everything y’all bring to the table being so unique and personable. Truly thank you for putting up with me. 

Also shoutout to Life360 for the “Love ya!” feature for Ms. Garfield and I — or “¡Te quiero!” for you. My heart flutters every time that notification pops up.

Whether it was a quick conversation or a talk that accidently lasted hours, I’ve enjoyed crossing paths with everyone who’s walked through that glass L400 door. Sincerely, thank you to the editorial staff, past editors and other staffers. Thank you for breathing life into the office and everything you did, and for making my college experience more than bearable, but genuinely life changing.

I’m mournful knowing this is the end, and I wish I could’ve had more time with these beautiful and genuine people, but I’m extremely fortunate that it happened at all. Unfortunately, they could never make me hate you, Battalion. Thank you and goodbye!