I wasn't going to apply for the position of EIC.

I didn't feel like I would be good enough.

I didn't feel like I could lead this community well, but I applied anyway, basically just for fun.

In September my whole life changed. I applied for a position I was certain I wouldn't get and then not too long later the position was mine.

If it weren't for the people in this community there's no way I would have lasted long enough to see how this team would grow into a family of encouragers.

So to my Odyssey community, thank you.

Thank you for always, always, always providing a listening ear not just to me, but to each other.

Thank you for always being willing to pop in and chat about where life has us or how life really messed with us.

Thank you for always welcoming new creators and being so willing to help them and make sure they feel at home.

Because of you all, I know that this hobby of writing is more than that. It is something that I genuinely love doing and I will always do because I have you all behind me, supporting me at all times.

I am thankful that in my times where I felt alone I was able to confidently say I could turn to any and all of you and at least one of you would be there for me in an instant.

I am thankful that you have made my position one that was easy to adjust to and through all of the changes we have gone through each of you have remained positive and always uplifting.

Because of your willingness to do more and grow this community, it has made this position one that I honestly can never imagine giving up. Your drive to be successful as individuals and as a team has truly impacted my life not just in the realm of Odyssey, but in every part of my life. I want to do more because you guys have encouraged me to be more of who I am.

You have accepted me in all of my times of doubt, in all of my times of frustration, and especially of my times of huge fails. Not only have you accepted me, but you've taught me that even in those low points I am valued and I am capable. You have encouraged me through your articles, through your jokes, through your chats about shows and movies on Netflix, and honestly through so many different areas of life.

So here's to all of you who make this hobby mean so much more.