A Goodbye, but never a farewell

BY REESE KEELING

Marketing Director

Dear Texan News Service Family,

As I sit down to write this, I can’t help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude, nostalgia and love. It’s hard to believe that three incredible years have flown by so quickly. In just a few weeks, I’ll be turning the page to the next chapter of my life, but a piece of my heart will always remain with the Texan News Service.

When I first walked through the doors of TNS, I never could have imagined how much it would come to mean to me. I was just a student looking for a place to belong, to create and to learn. What I found was so much more: a family. Through every late night deadline and every unforgettable trip, I grew not only as a journalist and leader, but as a person.

I was lucky enough to serve as Art Director, Editor-in-Chief and Marketing Director, titles that sound official but to me meant the chance to work side by side with the most talented, passionate and inspiring team. Each role taught me something new. How to lead with empathy, how to create with purpose and how to adapt and grow when challenges came our way.

To Mr. Lewter, thank you for always believing in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself. Your guidance, patience and trust gave me opportunities for which I will forever be thankful for. You created a space where students like me could find our voices, make mistakes and become better because of them. I’ll never be able to fully express how much your support has meant.

To Mr. Wise, you were the first to check up on me when I needed it most. Your kindness left a mark that I’ll carry with me forever. It’s the small moments of genuine care that define a place, and you made TNS feel like home.

And to my best friends who came along with TNS, Jolee, Copeland and Kiley, there aren’t enough words to describe how much you all mean to me. We grew together within these walls, sharing laughs, tears, long nights and endless memories. You made the hard days bearable and the good days unforgettable. I couldn’t have asked for better people to walk through this journey with.

TNS taught me more than just journalism. It taught me resilience, teamwork, leadership and the power of storytelling. It gave me experiences that textbooks never could, covering real stories, the pride of publishing work and the quiet satisfaction of knowing we made a difference.

As I prepare to say goodbye, I know that Texan News Service will continue to thrive and grow, just as it helped me thrive and grow. I’m endlessly proud to have been a part of it, and I will forever carry the memories and lessons from these years with me.

Thank you for giving me a place to call home. Thank you for giving me my best friends, my mentors, my memories.

With all my love and gratitude,

Reese Keeling, Marketing Director