A friend asked me earlier this year, “What were you like as a kid?”
I remember looking at them with a smile on my face and answering, “Pretty much the exact same person I am today.”
Annie Davenport at Jordan-Hare Stadium on Sept. 28, 2024.
I believe I knew the kind of person I wanted to be since I was a kid. I wanted to be someone who made people laugh, who could tell a friend’s worries before that friend even knew they were worried. I aspired to be a kind person who wasn’t afraid to tell the world what she thought of them.
I have always been so confident in myself, my words and my decisions. However, this all changed my sophomore year of college. I had just changed my major from biology to undecided. It seemed like my classmates had their friend groups and futures all figured out.
I was so lost and worried about myself, especially as someone who has always had a plan her entire life.
Annie Davenport's first football game.
Whenever I am in a dark place like that, I have a hard time communicating with friends and family. I have never been great with words that are attached to how I am feeling on the inside. I knew when I was in this place sophomore year, I needed to just forget all about the what ifs and turn to my favorite thing in the world. Photography is how I communicate.
I had my first OU Daily assignment on March 7, 2024. I remember it like it was yesterday. I shot a pro-Palestinian protest in the Oklahoma Memorial Union. I remember running over there after class and getting the photos edited and captioned within an hour and a half.
SCPL protester during the sit-in at the Oklahoma Memorial Union on March 7.
I was in the OU Daily newsroom patiently waiting for someone to tell me what I was supposed to do after all my images were ready for upload.
Peggy Dodd, the news managing editor at the time, ran in, saying, “I couldn’t find the new photographer at the protest. I think her name is Annie. I wanted to go talk to her and make sure she was doing OK.”
People started asking questions.
“What does she look like?”
“Do we have her number?”
“This was her first assignment?”
I didn’t know what to do, so I shyly held up my hand and said, “Uh, I am Annie.”
I remember everyone in the newsroom looked at me and then at each other. They started asking me if I even went to the protest, because no one saw me.
Seth Prince walked out of his office and asked if I was doing OK and apologized that we didn't have someone communicate with me on the protest, since it was a pretty heavy first assignment.
I told him it was OK, and it wasn’t my first time shooting a protest. He looked over my shoulder and saw a picture on my screen.
“Is that from today?”
I — stressed beyond belief — nodded my head yes.
“Good work.”
That would be the moment that I realized I belonged here.
Not only did OU Daily respect who I am as a person, but it also showed me how I could use both my strengths and weaknesses as a way to build my career.
Esther Hodson and Annie Davenport after the College Football Playoff game.
After just two weeks in the newsroom, I changed to a dual major in political science and journalism. After about four weeks, I applied to be assistant photo editor.
I got a message from Peggy later that week asking me why I only applied for assistant and not the head photo editor. I told her since I had only been there for just a month, I didn’t know if it was appropriate to apply. If it wasn’t for Peggy telling me it wouldn’t hurt to put my name in the hat, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
I have been the photo editor for the past two years and it has been my favorite job I have ever had — and I have had a lot of jobs.
‘You are Annie Davenport’
Peggy quickly became my person within my first year. She is someone I could get into an argument with, but the next hour we would be fine. I am the oldest of three girls and I have always envied people with an older sister. I didn’t know what that felt like till I became friends with Peggy.
Where she does act as an older sister, she has always been the leader I look up to. She cares so deeply about her stories and her colleagues — it makes her the remarkable journalist that she is. I cannot wait to see what she does in her future. No matter where she goes, and I know she will go far, she will always be the woman who pushed me.
Thank you, Peggy, for always reminding me who I am.
Annie Davenport at Lincoln Financial Field on Sept. 13, 2025.
‘FIWB’
This may be the hardest part to put into words. I can count the number of men I trust on maybe one hand. Seth Prince is an example of a good man, father, adviser, person and journalist.
He will never let a day go by where he doesn't remind me, “OU Daily is for you and the other students, not me.”
I hope with my words I can explain to Seth that where students make up OU Daily, we need our humanity nurtured and our personal lives cared for. When we may not always remember to do these things, caring about the work before our wellbeing, he is there to remind us that he and others care about us.
Last year, when the sports editor and I were preparing to travel for the Oklahoma and Auburn game, Seth and Peggy had to sit me down and bring up the fact that the bad weather may stop us from being able to travel. I remember telling them that nothing can come between me and traveling for this game because it was my first away game that season, and I was too excited to not go.
They tried to communicate with me how it may be a very real possibility that I would not be going to Alabama the next day. I looked at Seth and Peggy and said the famous words I had no idea would be something I would quote for the next two years.
OU head football coach Brent Venables during the game against Auburn on Sept. 28.
“F--- it, we ball.”
Seth’s face was my favorite reaction out of the entire conversation. The sports editor and I went home that night knowing we would not be traveling that next morning because Peggy put her editor-in-chief foot down and told us no because of safety.
I woke up that next day with a message from Seth:
“FIWB.”
The weather turned that night and was not a problem, so we got on our 8 a.m. flight that morning.
Seth, never forget that you are in the DNA of OU Daily. Though our decisions aren’t based on, “What would make Seth happy?” you are a big part of what makes this place breathe and succeed. Thank you for always acting as an adviser, a father figure and an inspiration of who I hope to grow up as.
The next generation
Next year’s editor-in-chief, Willie Gillespie, will bring ideas and care that OU Daily will only grow off of. I traveled with Willie for the entire football season and it was one of the highlights of my senior year.
Willie Gillespie and Annie Davenport after the College Football Playoff game.
He is one of the funniest people that I know, and he has taught me so much about journalism and social media. Where I see Willie as a friend and a colleague, I also see him as my annoying little brother that will never text but always call me before the sun has touched the sky’s surface in the morning.
Willie, thank you for making me a better journalist and person. If you ever need me, you know where to find me.
I became close with Audrey McClour earlier this semester. Whenever I look at her, I see a younger me. She is this summer’s editor-in-chief and next year's news managing editor. I could not be more excited to see what she does with her time as a newsroom leader.
Audrey, please always remember to laugh. No matter what this job throws at you, you have your kindness and passion that will get you to the finish line.
I remember the day I met Macey Thaxton. She was a news intern who was always down to laugh. But man, does she work hard. Macey will be the campus editor in the fall. She probably has taught me more about myself than she realizes. I cannot wait to see the work she will accomplish next year.
Macey, never forget that you have built yourself brick by brick. You have earned your place in this newsroom and you have the right to tell people to get bent.
Natalie Armour, Audrey McClour, Annie Davenport, Macey Thaxton and Keaton Shaffer during the end of year gathering on May 8, 2026.
Reagan Rozzi has to be one of my favorite people to talk to when I am in the newsroom. Whenever she walks in, I prepare myself to not get any work done because I will be too busy laughing. Picking on Reagan has been one of the many highlights of my senior year. Reagan will be this summer’s news managing editor. I know she is prepared but I am so excited to see how she learns and grows.
Reagan, please remember you are going into your sophomore year. Breathe, take it all in and know that you can not do everything by yourself. Never be afraid to ask questions.
Last March, during some brush fires, I was covered in a disgusting smoke smell. I was exhausted because I had been running around from early in the morning till about 6 p.m. Halfway through the day, I met Keaton Shaffer for the first time. He drove me around Norman to find people to talk to for our story. I remember getting in his car and Taylor Swift started playing.
“I don’t usually listen to this,” Keaton told me.
I had to assure him that I would not judge his music taste. From that moment, Keaton has been someone I can laugh with in the newsroom.
Keaton, please never forget how talented you are. You are one of the quickest learners I have ever met, and you will kick some serious ass next year.
As for the sports desk, Joshua McDaniel and Charlie DiVincenzo will be the sports editor and assistant sports editor in the fall. I have seen both of them grow this year and cannot wait to see their coverage in the fall.
For the both of you, remember to slow down; understand you are covering Southeastern Conference football. This is some people’s dream. Take it all in.
The next chapter
Zsophia Towson came to the open house in August. I remember her standing behind people, trying to go unnoticed. Once I saw her images after her first assignment, it was impossible to not know her. Zsophia will be the photo editor for the fall. I am so happy I get to leave the desk I have cared for for two years in the hands of someone who cares so deeply about her art and the people she works with.
Zsophia, your work speaks for itself. You are so talented, but you have so much greatness left ahead of you. Never forget to stand up for yourself and your craft. I know you will do great things.
Shayfer Cannon has been a force on the photo desk that I know will only grow. The artistic eye that they have will always be something I look up to and one day hope to have myself. Shayfer will be photo editor this summer and assistant photo editor in the fall. I know with a team like Zsophia and Shayfer, the photo desk will be prepared for just about anything.
Shayfer, always remember the craft you have is something no one can take away from you. Always ask questions and know it’s OK to make mistakes!
Annie Davenport and Esther Hodson.
Annie Davenport taking John Mateer's picture after the game against Auburn Sept. 20, 2025.
For the photo desk
As for the photo desk, you have been my home and a group of people that have made me a better person. I wouldn’t be Annie Davenport without the photographers on this astounding desk.
Aiden Brewer, Ameer Ailumerab and Max Phillips, you have only been on the desk for a few months but you have made such a difference. Through your work and care, I know the desk will be more than OK.
Katlett 4 Kids on April 17, 2026.
Sophomore infielder Gabbie Garcia during the game against Kentucky on April 4, 2026.
Performer at the Norman Music Festival on April 24, 2026.
Esther Hodson has been my savior, rock and everything in between this semester. Without her, I don’t know if I would have stayed sane. She will go on to do such amazing things that it sometimes hurts my brain to think about it.
Luke Combs at the concert in Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on May 9, 2026.
Jamee Kalisik is the kind of artist I hope to be one day. She sees the world through the camera lens and can take a picture that makes you feel like you are there.
Rainbow Kitten Surprise performing at the Criterion on Oct. 3.
Jenna Burress can shoot some ball. She can turn a game into art — and that is something I will take with me into my career.
Junior pitcher Cameron Johnson during the game against Florida on May 2, 2026.
Matthew Moore can teach you about 20 new categories and edit a whole gallery simultaneously. He knows everything there is to know about film photography and will talk your head off about anything.
Dog at the Norman Music Festival on April 24, 2026.
Saying goodbye
Mary Ann Livingood, you are one of the best people I have ever met. I will miss our dinner dates more than you will ever know. I will miss making eye contact with you when someone says something that throws us off. I know we will see each other again, so don’t get too tired of Thai food.
Anusha Fathepure, I cannot wait to see what you accomplish this summer at The Oregonian. You are such a talented journalist and you will do great things after graduation. Please never forget to sleep and eat. The work is important, but you are more important.
Gretchen Schultz, you are such a kind and beautiful person. You care about the people in your life so deeply we can feel it. Goodbye will be hard right now, but we will be pretty close to each other back in Texas. I hope you are prepared to hang out after graduation!
Thomas Pablo, please never take yourself too seriously. You are so talented, but your character is built on how much you care about your friends and how much you make us laugh. I hope you get some more free time to play your guitar. I cannot wait to see the work you do at KOSU.
Will Pry and Mike Sherman, you two made my last two semesters at OU Daily the most educational and welcoming atmosphere I have ever worked in. I appreciate you both so much and hope you know your words landed with someone who needed your support.
For the newsroom
If you are really lucky, you get four great years of this beautiful place. If you are like me, you only get two years that will change your life forever. OU Daily saved me. Never take a minute for granted and remember, one day, it will come to an end. Do everything and anything. Always remember my piece of advice I gave Seth during that treacherous storm:
“F--- it, we ball.”
End of year gathering on May 8, 2026.
Annie Davenport is an OU journalism and political science graduate. At OU Daily, she served as a photographer and photo editor. She previously interned at the Tulsa World. After graduation, she will move to Fort Worth, Texas, to work for FC Dallas as a photo intern.
View some of Annie’s work here:
