Dear Daily Nexus reader,

My name is Shayla Prasad, and I served as your 2025-26 Co-Editor in Chief of the Daily Nexus. This whole experience has passed in a blur. From first getting elected to now planning our end-of-year editorial banquet, fighting senioritis and bearing with the fact that I’m graduating — someone, pinch me. 

My first year at UC Santa Barbara, I overcame many challenges and frankly, felt a bit lost coming to a new school and learning how to balance my life. 

Starting on the Production team in my sophomore year of college was truly a pivotal moment in my life. I met so many wonderful people who became my new confidants. I found myself looking forward to coming into the office, eating dinner at 8 p.m., chatting with coworkers about our weekends and finally being able to name a place on campus as my own. 

My junior year, I found myself in the office for many, many late nights. But spending these nights in the neon green-walled office and staring at computer screens for hours on end with some of my closest friends slowly became the norm, and I look back at these times fondly. Escaping to the Arbor for a sweet treat (and some sanity) easily became something I looked forward to. 

Starting my senior year as Editor in Chief, while my title changed, I feel that the office’s charming energy remained the same and the people transformed the office into a home. 

Three years ago, if you asked me if I saw myself as the Editor in Chief of the Daily Nexus, the largest independent student-run newspaper at UCSB, I would’ve laughed in disbelief. It wasn’t until Anusha and I were sitting in our Production corner junior year, discussing who we saw as Editor in Chief, that I joked, “What if we ran?” That question soon became our reality when we told Amitha and Emily, that same night, that we had decided to run as co-editors. The months that followed were full of training sessions and self-doubt. Luckily, with our resilience and determination, we overcame many obstacles, brainstormed how to respond to various Slack messages and before we knew it, were declared the next Editors in Chief in April of 2025. 

This year has truly been the best experience — meeting new editors, getting to know older editors, building a sense of community and making journalism more fun and exciting. I feel so grateful to have been in a position to guide people in shaping their stories, help people accomplish their goals of starting a new section or app and overall serve as a source of support. Advocating for communities, to make them feel seen and appreciated, has been one of the most fulfilling parts of the job. No matter how late we stayed in the office, it was always worth knowing that the content we put out was something I felt proud of. 

To Anusha, my dark horse. I am so grateful to have been your co- this year. Without you, our print nights, EdStaffs, social events and meetings wouldn’t have been as memorable or AWESOME. From changing the fonts to getting behind the computers to edit pages to interviewing Ira Glass to revamping Nexus’ identity — we truly make a great team. Thank you for your support and dedication. #perfectpair 

To Mira, my former fellow Production intern. My experience at the Nexus wouldn’t have been as memorable without you. Thank you for always being our rock in some of the most stressful times. I’ll miss our Arbor and Chick-fil-A runs so, so dearly. You inspire me.

To Jack and Michelle, my GOATS. You guys truly made the Nexus what it is today. Without your dedication and commitment to student journalism, we wouldn’t have had such extensive and quality coverage. But most of all, without your energy, encouragement and teamwork, none of this would have been possible. So huge thank you to you both!!!

To my Production girls, Production Peaches 4ever! You all are the coolest and I hope you continue to film more boomerangs. 

To Iris, you are an amazing Editor in Chief! It’s been lovely watching you step into this role with so much grace. I am so excited for your year ahead! Remember to always trust your gut and know that you have all of the skills needed to succeed in this role. Believe in yourself and just know that we’re always rooting for you!!! 

To all of the Nexites I wish I could also list, I hope you know how amazing it’s been to know you and see you grow. You all are headed to great places and I know that wherever the office moves, you will make it a place of comfort, safety and excitement. To my fellow seniors, make the most of these last few weeks!!! I hope you know that you all have left a mark on my life and I will miss you all SO much. 

Anusha and I once said, “Together, we’ll keep building a community where every voice matters and where the pursuit of truth remains our strongest form of freedom.” After reflecting on our term, I’m proud of how we’ve advocated for marginalized communities, shown strength in times of hardship and stayed true to ourselves throughout it all. To anyone curious about student journalism, leap! You won’t regret it.

Congrats to all of the 2026 grads and release your outer glow on the world!

All my love,

Shayla