Dear Odyssey and my readers,

I have been with Odyssey for nearly a year now. I can still remember writing my first article, the first time one of my articles made it on the main Facebook page, and the few times my articles have made it onto the Odyssey homepage. Most recently, one of my articles has received over 60,000 views and has stayed on the homepage for longer than I imagined.

Growing up, English and language arts were always my favorite subjects. I was an avid reader; I remember always being confused when my peers complained about having to read for class because I loved it. In middle school, I joined a club called Power of the Pen. We met weekly and wrote, and competed every so often.

However, as I entered high school, writing lost its allure. I was frequently writing papers, reflection questions and various projects. By the time I was a senior, I was writing 10-page papers a week most of the time. Needless to say, it was a pleasant surprise when I came to college and did not have to write frequently.

I also lost my faith when I got to college, as many people do. However, I then regained my faith in unprecedented strength. I began by writing every night to God in a journal I kept. Eventually, I realized that writing calmed me and gave me closure. My RA was the EIC for our community at Miami, so I sat down with her and decided to give this whole Odyssey thing a chance.

I joined Odyssey a year ago when I had an urge to start writing and share my thoughts. I was terrified, but the whole concept seemed fun. I also remember the first time I published an article that could have been controversial. Most of all, I remember how freeing and empowering sharing those especially difficult feelings and thoughts was.

Writing on Odyssey has pushed me in a variety of ways. It's taught me time management, patience, perseverance and creativity. Some of my favorite moments have been when articles I did not expect to interest others gained lots of success.

But all good journeys must come to an end. I am leaving to start my own blog and attempt to share more of my life more consistently. As you change throughout college, so does your schedule and hobbies.

I can never thank the people on the staff for how much they have contributed to my success and growth as a writer, person and student. I can also never thank them enough for their unending patience and praise when I earned it.

Odyssey has provided me with more opportunities and growth than ever expected. I never expected to love writing and sharing my thoughts and opinions as much as I do now. Writing has strengthened my passion for creativity. It has also strengthened my love for sharing my voice through writing, which is why I made the decision to leave.

Thank you, Odyssey, and its readers for challenging me, motivating me and giving me recognition when deserved.