Just a few days ago, Facebook alerted me of my "memories" just as it does every day. I clicked on the little notification bubble and was shocked to see that the very first article I ever wrote for the Odyssey was listed under "1 year ago." I honestly couldn't believe that it had already been that long. So in honor of my one year anniversary of writing for the Odyssey here are 6 things that this experience has taught me:

1. Not everyone is going to agree with what you have to say

In fact, A LOT of people are not going to agree with what you have to say, and that's okay. I have learned to look at every side of every argument. If I don't agree with the other side of the argument, that's fine, but at least it I have learned to agree to disagree. If there is one big thing I can thank the Odyssey for, it is allowing me to open my mind to so many different thoughts and opinions. It's okay to not agree with someone else. Don't be afraid to put your personal thoughts out there just because you're afraid of what the reader might think or say either. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions.

2. The ideas never stop flowing

There have been so many times that I have thought, "I have no idea what I'm going to write about this week," but an idea always comes to me. No matter how many times I thought I was going to run out of things to write about, it has never happened. In fact, having this weekly deadline has made me pay more attention to current events and things happening around me. I'm always looking for new and interesting things to write about so it has definitely made me more observant than I ever was before.

3. Reading will make you a better writer

Reading other people's work has seriously helped me to grow as a writer. Sometimes the best ideas come from the inspiration of things and/or people you admire. If your writing stays exactly the same all of the time, are you really improving your skills? Try something new and don't be afraid to reach out of your comfort zone!

4. Every time you have an idea, WRITE IT DOWN!!!!!!

Take it from the girl who has a million ideas every single day and says, "I'll remember that later." Well...as it turns out, I never remember it later. Even if you don't have a pen and paper on you at all times, I know you have that phone in your hand during at least 95% of your day and there is probably a "notes" app already installed on it. You'll thank me later.

5. Time management is key

No matter what you do with your daily life, I bet anything that you will get so much more done and be much more organized if you learn good time management skills. Writing my one article a week may not sound like a whole lot, but when you balance that with work, school, family, and friends, etc., it can be easy to lose track of it if you don't manage your time wisely.

6. Take pride in your work

Let's be honest, it takes some courage and confidence to put your personal thoughts and opinions out there on the internet for anyone and everyone to see. Be willing to share it on social media and talk about it with your family and friends. You are taking the time out of your daily life every week to write something that is important to you in some way. It might be something that makes you happy, excited, sad, annoyed, angry, defensive...or it might even just be funny and lighthearted. No matter what it is, it's yours, and you worked hard to create it. Be proud of it.