Bet you thought you'd seen the last of me, huh? I'm very excited to be back writing for Odyssey. It's been a minute since I've published anything, that's for sure. In this new year, I have gained a major responsibility: becoming the new Editor-In-Chief for the UNO Odyssey team. During my time with Odyssey, I have had the great opportunity to not only write, but act as a contributing editor. The skills I have learned have helped immensely in my ability to write and edit both technically and creatively. As the new EIC, here are a few things I would like to achieve this year!

Recruitment

A goal for all writers and editors alike for Odyssey is to recruit like no other. When we put out articles, we are sharing our voices in its rawest form. When we put ourselves out into the open like this, it shows others that they can do the same. We bug everyone around us to start writing for Odyssey because it's a platform that anyone can join and put whatever thoughts and opinions they wish to share. Even though it's a bit daunting at first, our teammates want nothing but success for each other, and we would highly encourage anyone to join and share their experiences and opinions, too.

Meetings

I would love nothing more than to start scheduling meetings with the team to have a time and get to know each other more. Though our groupchat through GroupMe is used very frequently, face-to-face meetings are important. We have over 30 members on our team, and to get notifications one right after the other can become taxing when you constantly have to put a name to a face...or have your phone on Do Not Disturb and don't answer for hours at a time (my bad, guys). Being able to meet once a month and discuss articles, ideas, and just life in general would be a nice break from the stresses that life can present in college (that we all know way too well).

Becoming An Official Organization

This is my biggest challenge that I am bound and determined to overcome. UNO has a numerous amount of organizations on campus that students can be a part of. While The Gateway already provides students a way to get work published in a school paper format, Odyssey can provide a little more freedom in regards to content, language, and frequency of publishing articles. Having our group become an official organization on UNO's campus not only would help with group meetings, this would also boost our recruitment opportunities by a large degree. Having the credibility of being a school organization could easily catch the eyes of students wanting to become more involved in school programs and resumé building.

Being The Best I Can

I'll be real, becoming Editor-In-Chief was never my goal when joining Odyssey. In fact, when Kate—our previous EIC, bless her soul—came to me about taking over the role of EIC, I was hesitant to say yes. Just thinking about all of the efforts Kate has shown us over the past year as our leader was enough to make me wanna throw up a lil' bit. But that would never happen with such a huge phobia of vomiting. Upon some thought, I realized how big of a challenge this is, and mama didn't raise no quitter. So I agreed and I am super stoked to take this head-on. Answering questions or concerns, creating a fun and open environment, and staying on top of my work are my ultimate goals to achieve in my endeavors.

I am eagerly looking forward to taking on this leadership role and acting as support for anyone on our team who needs it. Let's kick some ass and take names this year!