From covering the Iowa caucuses to traveling across the country to bounce around Atlanta, Georgia, on election night 2024, I’ve had no shortage of unique experiences during my time at The Daily Iowan. 

Ever since I wrote my first story in the 10th grade, I knew I was hooked on talking to random people and writing about what I learned. I never thought that journey would take me to where I am today, graduating after leading the politics section at the DI for three years. 

It has not always been an easy journey. With an onslaught of political news in a rapidly changing world, it was hard sometimes to keep up. 

But one thing the DI taught me was to pick myself up off the dirty floor of an election night watch party after running around all day through Atlanta on little sleep, less food, and the crushing pressure of a deadline, and keep writing. Keep being curious. Keep asking questions. 

My time at the DI has shaped me into the person and the journalist I am today. I wouldn’t possess half of the abilities and the wisdom that I have today if it weren’t for the DI. 

From criss-crossing Iowa for the Iowa caucuses, to covering the biggest election of a generation, to writing about the many changes the Iowa legislature and Congress have brought on Iowans, I have learned a lot during my time at the DI. But the most important thing I’ve learned at the DI wasn’t really about journalism. Instead, it was about leaning on the people around me, because even I cannot do it all alone.  

But, before I go. I have to thank a few people along the way who made this journey worth it and taught me everything I know. 

First, to former Politics Coach Marissa Payne, I couldn’t have become the journalist I am today without your skillful edits and pushing me to do more, to do better, and to think harder. 

I wouldn’t know how to expertly put together a page story, how to comprehend the chaos of the Iowa legislature, or how to navigate the Iowa caucuses if it wasn’t for your sage guidance. And, along the way, you have become a friend and a mentor that I trust and cherish. 

To Roxy Ekberg, my partner in crime. I couldn’t have made it through the marathon of a legislative session or the 2024 election season without your help. Not to mention, you have become one of my closest friends and best bosses I have ever had. 

To Ty Rushing, I have only known you on a professional level for a little over a year, but I can say that I wouldn’t be the same journalist I am today without you pushing me to better myself even further after I thought I had discovered all of life’s secrets. 

To Genevieve and Anna, I may have only been your editor for one semester, but seeing your growth and your dedication to pursuing the truth and telling the stories that need to be told makes me feel like things will be ok, and that the hard work I’ve put into crafting the politics team’s formidable strength will not go by the wayside. 

To my family, thank you for your support and your understanding when I can’t visit as often as I’d like because politics never sleeps. 

I could go on, but I think Roxy may start throwing things at me for going too much over word count. But, to all the others who have helped me along the way — thank you for helping me become the person I am today.