From my Mansion here in West Texas

As I was trying to think about what to write today, I think I kept returning to the Texas Tribune's success. A long time ago, when I was a Student Ambassador for the Trinity University Alumni and Relations Department, Evan Smith drove from Austin to San Antonio to thank a donor who happened to be a Trinitonian. As someone who grew up in the era of Tom Craddick and was interested in Texas politics, seeing him was like seeing a celebrity. I asked for a quick pic and told him my rep was Drew Darby, and I work as a secretarial intern for then-Speaker Joe Straus. I even went to TribFest in 2015 to support then Trinity President Danny Anderson when he was on a panel.

Along the way, mental health issues reared their head, whether I was getting my MPA at UNT or my pride got in the way while working for Fox, CNN, and ABC, I still kept up with those who made my life better. From Amelia Shaw to Erin Baker to Michael Bacon. However, when you are humbled and have to move back to west Texas, you learn what is essential. That is the secret to life. So, I am bringing an alternative news outlet to San Angelo and the Concho Valley Area, one with Mexican-American history and excellent high school sports. With my knowledge of working for Team Cavuto at Fox, being an ABC News Fellow (and failing dramatically), and working for a fantastic boss in Catherine Brosseau and Michael Smerconish at CNN before having a mental health breakdown, I think I bring a unique perspective to an important time in the run-up to the elections. Along the way, I will also try to cover the spurs (my favorite team) and the longhorns (my other favorite team) to Angelo State (my hometown team). Thank you to the SID department at Angelo State and the Media Relations team at SS&E. They are the class of the league. So, if you like this, please share and subscribe and consider buying a subscription. Also, Kassie Kelly, I am so proud of you if you see this! I had no idea you were working in the development team at the Trib. you are a rockstar.

Introducing our newest staff writers

• Wally Hernandez will be covering all things British. He hails from Scotland and enjoys watching BritBox. He is eagerly waiting for the newest season of the Crown, although he likes to tell people it is a dramatization, not real life.

  

• CoCo Hernandez will be covering all things fashion and culture. She hasn’t decided to attend school yet but will be in a sorority.

  

• I will continue to be a lowly staff writer who will write about sports, politics, and SCOTUS.

  

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  Mailbag questions:

Who do you think the best high school coach of all time is? - Joe from Robstown

I actually think it is Phil Danahar of Corpus Christi Cal-Allen. He graduated from Angelo State.

Why don’t the Texans practice at Angelo State anymore? It was fun seeing Earl Campbell practice from the apartments? - Jehu From San Angelo

That’s a good question but I think that’s a better question for Cal McNair. They could get a lot of fans in West Texas if they did so just like they’ve done outreach in Uvalde

What did you think about SNL’s New turn? - Ryan from San Angelo

I think it is great, but i still think they need more mexican-american writers who grew up pentecostal and watch it religiously.

Will the Cowboys beat the Giants? Marcus from Coleman

I sure hope so. As much as I like Joe and Troy, I might just watch Eli and Peyton. Gotta support the uncle of the future Texas QB1

Is it time to party like its 2008? Garrett from Bronte

It was a good game. I was not as sad as I was in 2008. Blake Gideon still should have caught that interception. Sark will get them back on track

I’m worried about getting found out. What happens when I fail? - Ryan

hmm, it will suck a lot. you will be bitter. but you will humble yourself and learn that life is not all about living in the biggest city with the biggest job. Plus, like andy from Parks and Rec says everyone likes a good comeback story (especially Kim Kardashian).#

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