I began writing as a Content Creator for Odyssey the summer going into my freshman year at DePaul. When asked to be a part of this amazing team, I felt it was an opportunity I simply could not decline. As a journalism major, I had hoped it would provide me with a platform to begin sharing my pieces and creating a portfolio, which has impacted the development of my writing more than I ever expected. Yet, as I took on this commitment roughly one year ago, I was quite unsure of what exactly was going to be in store for me.

For those who are not aware, working as an Odyssey Content Creator requires you to submit one article per week. As writing is a passion that I love more than anything, even I will admit that, throughout the depths of the most stressful of weeks, it is nearly impossible for me to decide upon a topic to discuss and share with an audience. I have been given the freedom to speak of nearly anything I choose, and with the broadening variety of ideas just waiting to be delved into, I have found it to be a bit overwhelming at times. There is the constant concern of whether or not my opinions will peak a reader's interest, and there is the continuous struggle of feeling the need to appeal to an audience by stepping outside of my comfort zone.

Throughout the effortless hours of work each Content Creator puts in per week, it is safe to say that it is practically unavoidable to be pushed out of said comfort zone – and that has helped me to grow and progress as a writer on endless accounts.

It has been said that if you fail to push yourself in life, then you are likely to fail at achieving success. Regardless of the goal, working at Odyssey has reaffirmed my belief in this idea not only as a writer, but as a student, as an employee, and as a friend. I believe more than I ever have in exercising the ability to strive for greater things, not only on this platform but in my life overall. I will be forever grateful to have been given this opportunity and look forward to creating fresh pieces in the years to come.