Forever in debt to Tarleton State

BY AVA DAVIS
Contributing Writer

Dear Texans, to say I love Tarleton State University would be an understatement. As I sit here, I am filled with nothing but gratitude. Gratitude for the opportunities, memories and people all brought to me because of Tarleton State University. 

The last three years of my life turned out better than I could have ever imagined. While I only joined the Texan News Service (TNS) for my last semester, I was given new opportunities and met so many kind people. I still kind of kick myself for not joining sooner. 

When I came to Mr. Lewter asking if there was any possible way I could get experience to build my broadcast reel, without hesitation, he found ways to help me. When I joined, I was welcomed with open arms by all of the staff. To Mr. Lewter and all of the TNS staff, I thank you for being so kind and allowing me to be part of your team for my last semester. 

I was able to use this time with TNS to build my portfolio for my aspiring career in news and sports reporting. Because of this experience, I have now accepted a job as a multimedia journalist in Abilene, Texas. 

While I wasn't in TNS long, I also had the opportunity to be part of the Tarleton Sports Internship since my freshman year. This internship allowed me to gain experience working in sports production and meet many people in the industry. I got to be a sideline reporter for multiple Tarleton State basketball games on ESPN+ this season and travel to the Texans’ baseball game against TCU as a sideline reporter for the radio.

 I was able to not only strengthen my skills but also enforce my love for sports and news reporting. I believe that between my time at TNS and the Tarleton Sports Internship, Tarleton has given me the chance to be as prepared as I could be for this next chapter of my life, and for that, I will always be thankful. 

I also had the privilege to be a member of the sorority Alpha Gamma Delta. I could not speak more highly of this chapter and all of the blessings it brought to me in my time in college. I met women who speak encouragement into others' lives daily, show acts of service to the community without hesitation and will stop at nothing to ensure you are seen and known. One thing I do not think people outside of Greek Life know is how much of our time is spent in community service and advocating for our philanthropy. 

I was honored to serve as the Vice President of Chapter Wellness in 2025. This role allowed me to view things differently and reminded me how much showing grace to people matters. If you are questioning going through recruitment, I urge you to give it a chance. It can change your life. 

I would like to thank Mr. Kirk Wise for playing a major role in my time here at Tarleton State. I remember my first day as a freshman sitting in his class so eager to learn; little did I know I would find a way to take his classes for every semester of my college experience (except one). 

Eventually, all of my classes with him involved the same group of students who would later become my friends and soon enough turn into what Mr. Wise called us, “the gang.” He shares wise advice (fittingly), encourages you to take new chances and will help you make sure the registrar's office lets you graduate. As bittersweet as it can be, I just sat in one of my last classes with Mr. Wise. I pray that he continues to affect students at Tarleton just as he affected me. 

My parents' childhood homes were only ten miles apart growing up, but they didn't meet until they were here at Tarleton. They then got married, I was born in Stephenville and we moved to my hometown when I was four.

It was always fitting coming back to Stephenville, as it was so good to my parents. It always felt like home. I thank my parents for their hard work and sacrifices that allowed me to get my education here. While I close this chapter of my life, I am sincerely grateful for Tarleton and Stephenville for the lasting memories it has left on my family and in my life.