Why I Chose to Write for the Odyssey
Start writing a post
Student Life

Why I Chose to Write for the Odyssey

I can talk about what I feel and express myself.

17
Why I Chose to Write for the Odyssey
denisaoosthuizen

Do you get paid? How much do you make? Do you have to do it for your school? Why do you do it?

I get asked these questions a lot when people see me. It may be just small talk or it may be genuine curiosity. However, when they ask me these questions, a swarm of thoughts and feelings pop up to answer the questions.

I think: the odyssey is an outlet for me. It gives me a place to go and talk about what I feel and express myself. My tweets show my annoyance about something trivial in my life, while my Facebook posts consist of numerous pictures of my past, eventful night. My Instagram has aesthetically (hopefully) pleasing pictures of me with my friends. However, nowhere on those platforms can I speak up about my personal thoughts and opinions on politics, college, relationships or life. The odyssey online gives me the opportunity to speak up about my past experiences and helps me reach other to others who may be in the same situation. It allows me to form thoughts and speak out.

I do not do it for the money or for the shares. I do it for myself. I want to look back and see what I was going through during my college career. Now, sitting here writing articles, hanging out with friends, studying for tests, I think I will forever remember these moments and thoughts. However, the truth is, I won’t. When I sat there in high school, listening to the teacher lecture me about cells, the mitochondria, and other confusing subjects, I thought I would be able to look back on the thoughts running through my mind at that moment with ease. However, after a couple months, those moments disappear because they are small and insignificant. By writing about my thoughts and publishing them allows me to catalog my opinions for when I want to look back.

With clubs, a social life, a job, and school, my plate is absolutely full. The odyssey only adds to that, however, it is something I do because it is rewarding. When I’m in the elevator chit-chatting with a friend and my friend surprises me by mentioning my article, I feel good. When someone comes to me and tells me they connected with last week’s article, I feel happy. Those little comments warm my heart because I see that it is impacting others. It not only connects with others, but I can also see myself growing throughout the process. The way I think, the way I write, the way I see the world is constantly evolving and my improvements show my growth in knowledge and experience.

So when I get those questions: Do you get paid? How much do you make? Do you have to do it for your school? Why do you do it?

I don’t give sit there and tell all of my reasons of why I choose to write for the Odyssey. Instead, I tell them a very simple answer, “I write because I enjoy it,” because that is the significant and sincere answer I have for them – I write because I truly, genuinely enjoy it.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

59236
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

38295
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959743
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

197147
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments