‘Most amazing place in the world’: Former news editor Ana Barboza reflects on growth, community

Aug. 19, 2022. The day I walked into the OU Daily newsroom for the very first time.

I remember reading the Daily as a journalism first-year and thinking I wasn’t good enough to be a part of this team. Imagine me, a Spanish-speaking Venezuelan girl who barely knew any English and had zero journalism experience. Walking through those doors, the only thing I had was nerves and excitement for what that first open house meeting was going to be like.

Let me tell you something about the energy at the OU Daily newsroom: always vibrant, always busy. People talking and laughing with one another. So many of those were returning reporters. Others, like me, were trying to discover if it would be where they spent the rest of the year, or even the rest of their time at OU.

Now, as I get closer to walking to the graduation stage and receiving the diploma I have worked hard for during these past five years, I get to reflect on my time as a part of the OU Daily family.

It’s my turn to say goodbye.

Becoming a reporter

There was once a time where I considered leaving the news desk and, overall, leaving the Daily. It’s ironic that I’m writing my senior column. In some ways, it feels like I’m giving my award speech.

My very first semester at the Daily was not going according to plan — rejected pitches, constant edits to my stories, conversations with editors about improvements. During that time, I questioned every single one of my decisions. Was journalism for me? Was the OU Daily for me? Was I good enough?

During that semester, I saw a news desk that slowly shrunk as many reporters that had joined along with me left the newsroom or moved to other desks. Before the fall 2022 semester ended, I considered doing so myself. Maybe the news desk was not for me.

But I told myself that the spring semester was going to be better. That I was just going through a rough patch. That not everyone does well at the beginning, and that I just needed to keep learning.

And thank God I did that.

During the two years I served as a reporter at the Daily, I worked on obituaries and profiles and covered so many events and important stories. I grew in many ways I had never expected. Those profiles and features are the ones that made me fall back in love with journalism.

I found my own writing style and confidence in reporting. I slowly found my voice.

My first semester as a reporter may have been rough, but my next three semesters as a news reporter came with a lot of growth. I learned to connect with sources and was pushed out of my comfort zone to cover education meetings and city issues.

I want to thank former Daily news editors Alexia Aston, Karoline Leonard, Taylor Jones and Peggy Dodd for believing in me. For always pushing me to succeed and for teaching me so many skills along the way. I’m grateful for their patience but also for being there when I had a question or when I was nervous to cover a story.

My passion for writing started back when I was a kid, but my love for reporting began at the Daily.

The tales of being an editor at the Daily

In the spring 2024, when OU Daily adviser Seth Prince and Karoline, who served then as the editor-in-chief, threw the idea of serving as news managing editor over the summer, I remember laughing.

Me? An editor?

Becoming an editor was never a possibility. It had never crossed my mind that I could be good enough to become an editor. I had just found my way through being a reporter, so becoming an editor was not in my plans.

But the idea never left my mind.

If Seth and Karoline — two people I had admired during my time as a reporter — suggested it, maybe it was because they saw something in me that I didn’t. If Seth’s feedback on my work was getting better, and my writing and reporting were improving, why shouldn’t I apply?

And if I was going to apply for summer news managing editor anyway, why not apply for fall news editor as well?

Being chosen as an editor felt nerve-wracking. It was a mix of anxiety, impostor syndrome and overall happiness.

That summer, I got to cover city council and OU Board of Regents meetings for the first time. I transitioned from human-driven stories to breaking news. I was truly tested on everything I had learned up to that point. That summer was a great transition to what was going to be my first year as a news editor.

And woah, how helpful that was.

Because fall 2024 and spring 2025 hit like a train wreck.

I had never done as much editing and reporting as I did during my time as a news editor in the 2024-25 academic year. Working alongside my co-editors Anusha Fathepure and Ismael Lele under Peggy’s leadership was the best experience of my life. I got to learn from them, grow with them and form a team that went through so much during a time of change at the Daily.

Ismael Lele and Anusha Fathepure playing Jenga after spending the day in Tulsa with Ana Barboza, not pictured. Ana Barboza misses working with them every day.
Provided

The experience made me the journalist I am today and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I couldn’t have asked for a better team to work with than Anusha and Ismael, and I would do it all over again if it means I get to work with them one more time.

What they don’t tell you is that it’s more than just editing: it’s about leading.

Back then, I would’ve never called myself a leader because I had never been in a position of such power.

The 2024-25 year was the first time I had reporters of my own. Not just reporters that I had to tell what to do, but reporters that didn’t know what they were doing and looked to me for help. I could not help but see myself in every single one.

I formed relationships with them. I talked to them one-on-one and approached them every time they were in the newsroom to address their needs. I got to know them, create bonds that I will always cherish, and watch them become better reporters.

That’s what being an editor is all about.

It is funny to look back at the time when the thought of leaving the news desk crossed my mind because my favorite moments at the Daily happened because I was a part of this desk.

My final goodbye

My favorite part about profiling someone is that first in-person meeting. That moment when you sit down right in front of the other person and ask questions about their lives — their passions, goals, dreams and aspirations.

At the end of every interview, I always ask them one final question that will set the tone of my story.

“Who are you?”

That question is always followed by a pause, a look around the room, a low hum, sometimes followed by tears in their eyes. I took that moment as an opportunity to look at them, to sit in silence for just enough time for them to think about the answer and pay attention to their reaction. I always wondered what the first memory that crossed their minds was.

As I’m writing this column, I look around the newsroom with teary eyes and a smile on my face. I think of that young girl sitting in her childhood home in Venezuela, dreaming of moving to the United States and becoming a writer. I think of that 15-year-old girl who walked through the halls of Norman High School not knowing a single word of English but excited for what was about to come. I see the girl who walked into the Daily newsroom for the first time thinking it was the most amazing place in the world. And, four years later, this is still the most amazing place in the world.

During my time as an editor, I tried to give back everything I learned from my own editors, and I know I leave the desk in good hands to Audrey, Macey and Keaton Shaffer. I am so proud of the work this desk has done in the four years I’ve been a part of it, and I know it will keep getting bigger and better.

And to everyone who walks into the newsroom, nervous of what is yet to come, my only advice is to enjoy it. Every day will be different, every year there will be changes, but four years will go by faster than you think. Trust me, I’m realizing now.

At the beginning of every semester during my time on the editorial board, the editor-in-chief and Seth always asked the same question: “What are your goals for the semester?”

My goal was always the same: I want to be a better leader.

I just hope I did my part.

And with that, I bow down.

Ana Barboza is a professional writing graduate from Ciudad Ojeda, Venezuela, and Norman, Oklahoma. She has served as news reporter, junior news reporter, news editor, news managing editor and editor-in-chief. This summer, she will intern as a reporter at The Oklahoman. One day, she will bring her daughter to the newsroom and show what was once her second home.

The people that made my time at OU memorable

Audrey McClour, Sophie Hemker and Macey Thaxton, for being part of the best summer of my life. I will always miss our weekly trips to get snow cones from Beanstalk and laughing at your jokes. I am so proud of all the work you guys have done this year and know you will continue to do so as you step into leadership next year.

Thomas Pablo, for making me smile every time you came into the newsroom. I’m going to miss working with you, talking to you about the most random topics, and overall, learning from you.

Mary Ann Livingood, for being the most dedicated and caring person I know. For answering all of my stupid questions with a smile. For being a teacher, friend and someone I will really miss.

Ismael, for all the laughs, jokes, the Connect Four games and show recommendations. For all the conversations, tears and times we were stressed about deadlines or incoming stories. For the coffee and boba runs. For being an amazing friend.

Natalie Armour, for being my favorite person in the newsroom. For being the best reporter, best summer news managing editor and best assistant news managing editor I could’ve asked for. For listening to me when I’m angry or stressed. For stepping up when I couldn’t. For lighting up the room every time you walk in. For being the person I’ll miss the most.

I could use a million words to describe the love I have for Anusha, and all of them wouldn’t be enough. Anusha chose me as her news editor in 2024, was a part of the publication board and voted “yes” when I applied to be editor-in-chief, and she chose me once again as her news managing editor for fall 2025. Anusha is the type of person that gives without asking. I am a true believer that she deserves the moon and the stars, and it still wouldn’t be enough. I am just happy I get to call you my friend.

Seth, for always pushing me to be better and better. For telling me when I’m doing something wrong and teaching me how to improve. For believing in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. Because even when I was dealing with 3,000-word assignments weekly, stories and reporting for the Daily, personal life and more, I could go to your office and you would say, “I believe in you,” not to make me feel better, but because you truly do. I aspire to one day be as good as you.

Of course, I also want to thank the people outside of the Daily. The people that were part of this journey along with me.

Rabah Sohail, Grace Lamis, Lauren Brogdon, Lucas Raglin, Lydiann Forbes, Stephan Robinson-Pendley and Graison Andrews, for being the people I loved to see every time I walked into Gaylord College. Because all my classes were fun as long as you guys were there.

Mel Odom, for turning a journalism writer into a fiction writer. For being patient with me while always pushing me toward success. For welcoming me to the professional writing department with open arms, and making it feel like a family.

Isaac Garcia and Loghan Maher, for being the best friends a girl could ever ask for, even if we only see each other once a month.

Roniel Nunez, for always making me smile. For being a shoulder to lean on, even when you’re far away.

My family, for being my pillar. For helping me every step of the way. Because I wouldn’t be where I am if it wasn’t for you. Because I wouldn’t be who I am if it wasn’t for you.