Odyssey is a place where writers can share pretty much what they want. The UMass Amherst community is not restricted to writing only about UMass. Although the summertime may let you choose freely on your topics, you can still enjoy writing what you want. You can even write about the area, for example “5 Things I Love About Amherst”.

Since school is starting this week, I would suggest that anyone should apply to write for The Odyssey; simply request to join and select "UMass Amherst" as your community.

You’re in the area for the meetings and you can spread your opinion on a popular website. Not everything has to be news and that is what I love about this. As a journalist, I am used to having specific topics and having to write about news stories. I have to ask myself “is this news?” And with Odyssey, I don’t. I don’t have to go out and interview people, I don’t have to rush it out and make sure the article is timely. I can take my time, write about whatever, and so can you.

Another perk is that you can officially call yourself a published author. Just another thing to add to your resume. If you are studying journalism and want to work somewhere like a newspaper, this is a good way to get some published work done. Some newspapers are looking for people with published examples of their work. That’s the main reason I joined and although I didn’t end up working at a newspaper or writing at all, I decided to stay because I enjoy having a piece out every week. My friends enjoy my work, they share it, and I’ve even convinced some of them to join Odyssey.

Sure it gets a bit stressful when it’s coming down to the deadline and you feel like you don’t have a topic good enough to gain attention, but that’s where the EIC or Assistant Managing Editor comes in. They send out weekly updates and sometimes they’ll send suggestions for people who are experiencing some writer’s block.

Also, not everything has to be an article. Some things on The Odyssey are lists, and you would think there was a specific word count they want but not anymore. Write what you want, feel comfortable about it, and join the team. Even if you don’t go to UMass, join your school’s community and get your thoughts out in the public.