It has been a year since I joined Odyssey when Ohio Wesleyan's team was first created.

I ended up hearing about the Odyssey because I was supposed to write an article about it for the student newspaper. After talking to the first editor in chief, I was immediately hooked; therefore, I joined.

Since then I have not missed one article, I'm the only remaining original member of our team, and I became Editor-in-Chief about 5 to 6 months after joining

The past year writing for the Odyssey has been great. It has given me many opportunities to grow. So, here are 6 things I have gained or learned from writing with Odyssey.

1. Learned how to generate article ideas

In college, there are weeks where you're too busy to even begin to think about an article idea. I have been here many times. After a year of writing, idea generating has become the easiest part of Odyssey. You have to think about what's important to you when writing an article. My first article a year ago was about cosplay, something I used to do all the time (and still do once a year) and my article from last week was about me appreciating my sorority. The creative freedom on Odyssey is so liberating. You can literally write about everything you love.

2. Has given me a reason to write again

I have always loved writing. Coming to college restricted my free time to the point where I didn't have the time or incentive to write during my free time. Odyssey gave me a reason to write again and to share my writing with the world.

3. Given me leadership opportunities

After being part of the team for about 6 months, I became the Editor in Chief. There was a lot of responsibility that came with this job. However, I love doing it. Being Editor in Chief has allowed me to do things I have never done before. I learned how to professionally communicate with potential creators (and be the interviewer instead of the interviewee). I learned how to market and communicate what Odyssey is about. I've had to learn to manage a group of people. It is because of Odyssey that I have learned these skills.

4. Has kept me to a goal or deadline for my writing

I have written over 50 articles at this point, and I have not missed one deadline. I've always been good with deadlines; however, Odyssey has made me generate ideas and put them all together within a week for every week of the year. And its so reward.

5. Has given me a resume builder

Odyssey is great to put on a resume. It teaches you how to generate ideas and meet deadlines. Not to mention that Odyssey is becoming a well-known site.

6. Has given me a platform to make my voice heard

Odyssey has made me feel that I have a voice that deserves to be heard. I have gained more confidence in myself and what I believe in.

So thanks Odyssey, for being awesome!