Dear Odyssey,

About two years ago, I was just a college junior scrolling through Facebook; when I found an article from a website called Odyssey. I read the article and kept scrolling to where I saw the word "apply" and thought "Hey, this might be cool", so I signed up. But what came following after clicking 'submit' that day, I would've never expected.

When I joined you, I would've never thought it would have had such a lasting effect on who I am today. Writing for Odyssey and the friendships and connections that came along with it, are what helped mold the rest of my college career. From game nights to meetings during free period- these people and this group have given me memories that will last a lifetime.

Not only has this platform taught me about myself as a person, but it has helped me become the confident young adult I am today.. Before you, I was the painfully quiet kid in the library who left right after class got out. All of my friends on campus were, for the most part, people I had graduated from high school with.

But once I joined, I knew that I now had twenty-something people who would always have my back and be there when I needed them (which sorry that was pretty often guys, but I love you all! xoxo) The memories and friendships I have gained throughout writing for this platform are things I will cherish forever. Because of this group of amazing people, I am a better, more confident person, and I will always have them to thank for helping me become who I am today.

From the late nights in dorm rooms, to exploring the city, to the goofy meetings during free period, this group has given me a second family, a place where I felt safe to use my voice. A place where I could talk about anything and write about anything that was important to me. You gave me a place to use my voice, and to work through breakups, anxiety and the stresses of college, and for that, I will always be so thankful for this place.

Writing this is probably one of the hardest things I've done while writing for you, just because there are no real worlds to show my gratitude for this place. Nothing could explain how grateful I am for the experiences I've gotten because of Odyssey and no words are good enough to explain my love for the team and the amazing people I worked with along the way. So I'll just leave you with this Odyssey:

Thank you for allowing me to have such an amazing opportunity and helping me meet some of the most amazing and creative people I've ever met. And for the RIC community, keep crushing those goals and pumping out some amazing content- because I'll be reading EVERYTHING. And I am so proud of you all, and excited to see where this wonderful journey takes you, like it took me! So I guess this is it... thank you Odyssey, for everything, and to the RIC community, thank you for being just as lovely and amazing. I love you all from the bottom of my heart.

Love always,

A Former Creator