A little over a year ago, I began my journey with Odyssey. When I first started, I was not even sure what Odyssey was, but as soon as I sent the application in, within a matter of moments, I was receiving a phone call telling me that my university did not have an Odyssey community. Therefore, I was asked to start the community and become the EIC. With the help of my Assistant Managing Editor then, I was able to launch my community in two weeks. However, as my team was growing, so was Odyssey and I was passed to another AME. Over a year later, I have had five AME's, each one helping me and guiding through this process. However, my current Assisting Managing Editor/Content Strategist has really changed my life.
Danica, I know that you are constantly being reminded by the team and others about how awesome you are and that is completely true. From the moment you became my AME, you talked to me personally every single week. When my team was having the highest of highs, you were there to congratulate us and even when my team was having the lowest of lows, you were right there by our side guiding us in a new direction and showing us the positives that had occurred You inspire me every single day to not only become a better writer, but a better leader. You are always searching for new goals and you somehow have all the answers to everything we ask. To me, you are not only an AME but a friend and a mentor. You listen to our issues, whether Odyssey-related or personal. You reach out and check on our mental health. You make sure that even when we are having bad days, you point out something awesome and amazing about us to boost our courage back up. I feel as if I were to lose you as my AME, I would cry because I really don't think you understand how much you mean to me or to the other EIC's. Therefore, while my words hold some meaning, here are some other EIC's that want to thank you too.
Carey Shook:
There's no possible way that I could be as great as an EIC as I am without Danica. She's always here to support me, and not just Odyssey-related! Danica makes each of her communities her priority and is there for all of us at all hours of the day for whatever we need. Help with a content creator? She's there. Need something published quickly? She's there. Guy advice? She's totally there, too. Danica is the reason I want to work for Odyssey once I'm done with college. She's not only an amazing managing editor but also a great friend.
https://www.theodysseyonline.com/@careyshook
Amanda Wassel:
I owe a huge thanks to Danica and everything she’s done to help me get my Odyssey team to where it is today! I’m one of the newer EICs, and she’s been so helpful (and patient!) with all my panic questions when something doesn’t seem like it’s going right. She’s got such a bubbly personality, and always has an inspirational quote or two to keep morale up during our weekly check-ins. My biggest “Thank you!” for Danica definitely goes to the fact she completely made my summer when she called me to ask if I’d be willing to take over as EIC for my school’s community!
https://www.theodysseyonline.com/@augustsun02
Kelly Snyder:
Danica! Thank you so much for all that you have done and continue to do for me and for our community! You're seriously a rockstar and a super human. You've challenged me in so many ways and it's helped me be a better EIC, a better leader and a better person in general. I can't wait to see what the next few months bring! After all, we are the best group of EICs right?! Thanks again for being the best AME Odyssey has! #SLAY
https://www.theodysseyonline.com/@kellysnyder
Lexie Troy:
Danica, thank you so much for teaching and pushing us EIC's to be better leaders. My journey with Odyssey has been so positive and rewarding because of YOUR leadership. You go above and beyond for us, so thank you!
https://www.theodysseyonline.com/@alexistroy
Remi Barrett:
Danica is the best. She loves her job and you can really tell that she does; she cares about all her creators and makes sure we know that. Danica has encouraged me from day one to be Editor-in-Chief and has helped me adjust. She wants to help everyone and she usually does. Danica is such a supporting and loving person to everyone she meets. I am so glad I get the pleasure to work with her.
https://www.theodysseyonline.com/@remibarrett
