I've been a content contributor for the Odyssey for a couple months now and have written my fair share of articles on many different topics, but one thing I've always found myself struggling with is being completely vulnerable as a writer.

You see, I go to a college very close to my hometown, meaning roughly 50% of the students at my university are people I know or know of who know or know of me and have for quite some time even before we entered college. They know about my past and who I used to be in high school and this makes being discreet as a writer pretty much impossible considering most of my readers are people who attend my university.

I'm aware that most people who read my articles are people who have a personal connection with me, that being said, sometimes I have a hard time finding the willpower to fully be able to open up and express how I truly feel or explain a situation fully in fear that everyone will know exactly who or what I am referencing even if I may not blatantly state it.

Because of this fear I have unfortunately found myself holding back as a writer. There are so many articles I have written that I've been hesitant to publish in fear of backlash or allowing the world far too deep into my personal life and/or personal beliefs.

Not anymore.

One of the biggest things I have gotten out of being a writer for the Odyssey is that readers WANT writers to be completely open and honest, even about the nitty gritty and sometimes uncomfortable stuff. It's when writers open up and offer complete vulnerability with their writing that readers are able to connect and relate, this is when the magic happens.

I believe writers have the special privilege of being able to speak for those who can't. Yes, opening up about my past or my beliefs for all the world to read and comment on may be out of my comfort zone, but if my writing can relate to or help even one person out there feel less alone or offer them support or guidance then any and all backlash is worth it.

Have you ever read an article that made you feel like it was speaking directly to you? This is what I aspire to each and every week. I want to be a voice for those who don't have a platform such as this to speak on their own.

Writers, I challenge you to do the same. Don't hold back. Write about the time you got your heart shattered to pieces by the boy you loved, write about how your parents' divorce caused you to sink into a depression, write about how Trump's new executive decisions effect you personally, write about that horrible friend who broke your trust completely, write about how you feel when that special person looks into your eyes or grabs your hand, write about the joys of being a sister or an aunt - just write.

Whatever you write, write with your whole heart. Write for those who can't. And most importantly, write for yourself.

Just write.