After more than 225 bylines, it’s still the #appreciation messages I wrote on Slack that stand out as my proudest moments at the Daily Bruin.

Any time a major project wrapped – such as the Grammys, Coachella or Spring Sing – I loved nothing more than writing essays of gratitude for the friends who made the coverage possible.

I want my last piece at The Bruin to celebrate the talented, courageous people who have made this newspaper a triumphant cornerstone of my college experience. Please imagine the Slackmojis.

My career at The Bruin wouldn’t have been possible without the stupendous Sanjana Chadive, who encouraged me to reapply to the Arts section in my second year, edited my first stories and guided my journey to becoming an editor and senior staffer with consistent leadership and abundant compassion. Sanjana, I’m so thankful for your mentorship, generosity of spirit and trust in me.

Thank you to Talia Sajor for being a dynamic editor, artistic powerhouse and the first person who validated my potential for writing about music. Without your faith in me on my first album review, I never would’ve had the confidence to pursue editorship or expand my interests in entertainment journalism.

Victoria Munck, you are a warrior and a legendary Arts editor. Thank you for diligently reading, editing and CQ-checking more than 100 of my stories and even more so for your jovial presence, rejuvenating humor and steady support when it mattered most.

Graciana Paxton, I owe you entirely for the knowledge and passion I was able to infuse into being music | fine arts editor. I’m still trying to be as cool and sophisticated as you. Thanks for teaching me the trade and inspiring me to trust my own musical instincts.

I wouldn’t be the person I am today without the wisdom, honesty and brilliance of the irreplaceable Megan Cai. Whether it be a trip to The Study at Hedrick, zipping down Sunset Boulevard or slurping noodles in Sawtelle, our thoughtful, introspective conversations have been some of my favorite college memories.

Thank you to the 2024-25 PRIME dream team – Martin Sevcik, Alicia Carhee and Isabel Rubin-Saika – the most insightful, creative and wonderful group of editors I’ve ever worked with. Alicia and Isabel, I’m so grateful for the ways you helped my stories come to life and for our enduring friendship.

Mia Tavares, there’s no one I’d rather trek to Coachella with. I aspire to move through life with your incomparable blend of charisma and kindness. Thank you for the sunshine you exude.

To my two most cherished slot editors – Aisosa Onaghise and Jeannie Kim – thank you for being there for me through thick and thin. Laughing in the office was priceless, and being in the trenches on Camayak felt bearable thanks to your positivity, determination and meticulousness.

To Myka Fromm and Eleanor Meyers, both of whom I befriended before joining The Bruin but adore even more now – thank you for being my cheerleaders every step of the way in my journey. You’ve listened, offered sage advice and each been a fundamental part of my successes.

To the other members of my Arts family – the delightful Dannela Lagrimas, Eric Sican, Natalie Ralston, Vishnu Potharaju and my incredible successors Ana Camila Burquez and Alexis Coffee – thank you for all the great times we’ve had. I look forward to many more.

I must also give a shoutout to our outstanding editorial advisor, Abigail Goldman, and my terrific professors Mary Samuelson and Lauri Mattenson for pushing me as a writer, thinker and collaborator. I appreciate each of you for challenging me and believing in me.

Thank you to the other marvelous alumni who helped me find a home at The Bruin, namely Nicole Augusta, Jillian Baker, Tyler Cho, Isabelle Friedman, Olivia Miller, Lindsey Murto, Edward Nawrocki, Mahika Saoji, Sharla Steinman, Tyler Tran, Dylan Tzung and Madeline Woo.

I’m equally grateful to the current staffers who have brightened my day on countless occasions. I wish all the best for Rori Anderson, Sierra Benayon-Abraham, Brianna Carlson, Shrey Chaganlal, Isabel Colburn, Kai Dizon, Ella Dunderdale, Lucine Ekizian, Selin Filiz, Michael Gallagher, Ira Gorawara, Sara Green, Ingrid Gruber, Ava Johnson, Ellie Kim, Wendy Mapaye, Liam McGlynn, Helen Juwon Park, Barnett Salle-Widelock, Abby Shewmaker, Leah Snyderman, Shaun Thomas, Mridhula Joan Thyagarajan, Amanda Velasco, Millie Walker and Bettina Wu.

Last but not least, thank you to my mom and my magnificent sister, Gabriela, for having my back my entire time at The Bruin. Thank you especially to my tremendous dad for dutifully reading every piece of my published work these past three years.

I love you all. :care: and :snappingreid: Slackmoji always. Until next time.

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Sperisen was a 2025-26 Arts senior staffer. He was previously the 2024-25 music | fine arts editor and a 2023-24 Arts contributor and reporter. He was also Copy staff and a News, Opinion, Podcasts, PRIME and Social contributor.