The Colgate Odyssquad is an elite task force of passionate writers, comprised of all class years, cliques, clubs, and cohorts. Established in August 2015, our team has worked hard to achieve journalistic integrity and bring unheard voices to the forefront of our small community and share their words across the world wide web. Welcome to the Writer Showcase Series, where we introduce you to our staff the best way we know how - in 500 words.

JC: Alright Chief, lay it on me: What’s your origin story?

DM: I came to Colgate from Demarest, NJ and am majoring in English and Educational Studies. Ultimately I’m going to pursue a Masters of Arts in Teaching. While managing my unruly and lovable Odyssquad, I’m also an active member of Sidekicks and of Colgate's Thoughts Into Action initiative. Most importantly, I’m the fearless leader of Colgate's Club Bowling Team.

JC: Other than our vibrant and thriving on-campus opportunities, what do you love about Colgate?

DM: It’s small enough to feel like home, but big enough that I still meet new people all the time.

JC: How long have you been our beloved Editor-in-Chief?

DM: Since October of 2015.

JC: And what do you love about Odyssey?

DM: It's a very intelligent concept at heart, most people don't understand that because of its simplicity. Odyssey has the potential to be omnipresent in our social media spheres with the right nurturing. It gives its content creators this power to have their thoughts broadcast across the world for no personal expense and minimal effort. But unlike a blog post or Facebook status, an Odyssey article is part of an editorial community, it commands respect.

JC: What’s something else that you’re passionate about?

DM: Corgis.

JC: Same.

JC: What’s your favorite thing you’ve written for Odyssey?

DM: My article on why Colgate needs a "Review Week" before final exams. It sparked some controversy in the Facebook comments which was enjoyable to read.

JC: That one was definitely a classic. What’s something you’ve read on Odyssey that’s stuck with you?

DM: An article by a former writer called "A Two Letter Word That No One Understands Anymore" about saying no. I love telling people "no." I'd be really awful at improv.

JC: Why do you want others to write for Odyssey and what content do you want to see on the platform?

DM: I don't want just anyone to write for Odyssey. I want talented writers with meaningful thoughts and bold ideas. I'd like to cultivate a team that puts forth revolutionary content that actually means something, independent of its social engagement. Odyssey doesn't censor its writers, but they end up censoring themselves. I want to see others write for Odyssey, not because they have something to say, but because they have something to shout.

JC: Anything else you think people should know about you? Fun facts? Crazy stories? Deep, dark secrets?

DM: I am quite passionate about country music despite being raised in a suburban area of NJ and all the naysayers who tell me it's trash. If it's trash, then I'm Oscar the Grouch. *closes trash can lid* *plays Zac Brown Band way too loud*

JC: Ew, I hate country music. I gotta get out of here.