Letter from the Editor-in-Chief: New Beginnings

Dear students, staff and alumni of UT Tyler,

When I first joined Talon Student Media in 2023, I was not the person I am today. I was nervous, I was shy, I had no confidence in my abilities and I never once saw myself as a leader. In fact, after attending my first meeting, I almost didn’t come back. Every day, I’m glad I did because I can now honestly and genuinely say: Talon Student Media has changed my life for the better. The friendships I’ve forged, the growth that I’ve undergone and the lessons I’ve learned have been immeasurable and invaluable. It is my highest honor to have the opportunity to lead this organization. 

To Nathan, now former Editor-in-Chief, thank you for believing in me. Thank you for pushing me. Thank you for seeing my potential when I couldn’t see it in myself. I am the person I am today because of your guidance and your encouragement. It has been an immense blessing to be able to learn from you. The Talon would not be where it is today without you, and we have been lucky to have your leadership. 

To the staff of Talon Student Media, it is a privilege to lead you all, and it is not one I take lightly. I hope you will push me to a higher standard, and that under my leadership, you achieve things you did not think you were capable of doing.

My expectations from you are simple: always try. A new skill, a difficult technique, a different approach. Take it from me—growth doesn’t happen in stagnant water. Always try. 

As Editor-in-Chief, I pledge to lead with integrity, honesty and respect. I pledge to be both accountable and transparent, and to own up to my faults and mistakes. I pledge to continue growing—as a creative, as a journalist, as a leader and as a person. I pledge to protect student journalism because—now more than ever—it is important. 

Thank you for this opportunity. I’m looking forward to this next chapter.

Sincerely,

Karleigh Yancy

Editor-in-Chief

Talon Student Media