Goodbye Odyssey, And Thank You
Start writing a post
Student Life

Goodbye Odyssey, And Thank You

I never intended to join a publication, but I have no regrets for choosing to do so.

52
Goodbye Odyssey, And Thank You
the Odyssey

In June 2016, one week after my high school graduation, I published my first article as a writer for Odyssey. It was right after the horrible shooting at the Pulse nightclub took place, and I remember feeling extremely heavy hearted for all the innocent lives lost, but I was just as much afraid about the backlash the Muslim community would face. I mustered up all my feelings and wrote my first piece titled, “Why Guys Like the Orlando Shooter Threaten My American Identity.” Before it was published, I was anxious, but most importantly, I felt relieved because writing that piece allowed me to collect my thoughts and express them in a manner where others could relate as well.

Originally, I had no intention to join a publication. Writing has always been something that I enjoyed but never to a point that I actually wanted to take time out for. I stumbled upon a Facebook recruitment post on the new Emory Class of 2020 page on Facebook and felt intrigued by the platform. I scanned the website and started to read some articles. It immediately stood out to me that there was no specific restriction to what one could write about.

From personal narratives to news stories to fictional pieces, Odyssey catered to all types of people who just needed an outlet for their thoughts, and I appreciated that. As someone who is not apathetic and cares a lot about what is happening around in the world, I thought it would be fair to give this a shot and see how it works out. Once I became a part of the team, I immediately felt the pressure to write something that would be “good.” But as previously stated, the Pulse shooting came about, and it made me forget about writing a good piece to simply wanting to write about what I had on my mind and wanted to communicate to others.

It was great to be able to write about whatever the good and bad was going around me and then reflecting upon it, getting the facts, and getting it all out. I knew what I was writing was helping me, but I didn’t understand the power of writing until one of my articles accomplished something I would have never imagined.

Towards the end of August, just a week or so after I started my first year of college, I heard from my roommate how one of her friends at high school had their assistant principal blame girls at their school for the boys’ low grades. Appalled by the official’s behavior, I obtained the audio and wrote an article calling the official out.

Before I knew it, it had over 12,000 shares overnight and it had started a conversation that wasn’t there before. I didn’t quite understand the scope of the platform until I received messages from Houston’s news sources on Facebook asking me to comment on the situation and learning that local news channel went to the school to interview the students about the incident.

Within a couple days, the article had been shared over 23,000 times and the story was being covered by news channels in Houston. And because of this, the school district officially released a statement condemning the school official’s words and ensuring that action would be taken to prevent future scenarios from taking place. I would say throughout my time at Odyssey, this was my biggest accomplishment, and I’m thankful that this platform allowed me to make a difference.

Unfortunately, as the school year picked up, it became increasingly hard to keep up with the consecutive articles. I had to go from writing about topics I really cared about to Buzzfeed style lists where I was simply creating content for the sake of creating it, rather than taking time and effort into things I cared about. I think when it hit me that I no longer enjoyed writing, I knew it was time for me to stop. Although I will miss writing for Odyssey, I am grateful for the opportunity it gave me to have an outlet for my thoughts.

I am also thankful for the people that I met through this platform. I was able to bond with the other writers and get to know them better in person. I would also like to thank my editor, Ryan Fan, who had a big hand in a lot my success and just me improving as a writer. I admire him a lot because of his hard work and devotion to his job and how much time he invests in getting to know his writers. Ryan made sure to get to know me and help me out other than just Odyssey or writing-related issues. His encouragement and advice meant a lot to me, and I am glad I got to know someone like him through Odyssey.

My time at Odyssey was fun regardless of how short lived it was, and I couldn’t be happier with myself for choosing to join it.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

14868
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

944897
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

121976
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lots of people sat on the cinema wearing 3D glasses
Pinterest

Ever wonder what your friend meant when they started babbling about you taking their stapler? Or how whenever you ask your friend for a favor they respond with "As You Wish?" Are you looking for new and creative ways to insult your friends?

Well, look no further. Here is a list of 70 of the most quotable movies of all time. Here you will find answers to your questions along with a multitude of other things such as; new insults for your friends, interesting characters, fantastic story lines, and of course quotes to log into your mind for future use.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments