When I started with Odyssey in 2015 as a Content Creator, I never thought that it would impact me the way it did. I enjoyed writing and kept at it. I quickly moved up to Contributing Editor and then Editor-in-Chief. Getting that leadership position was my biggest dream come true. I was excited to manage my Odyssey community and empower them to submit their best writing.

What I got out of it was more than I anticipated. I learned how to be a great leader, but I never expected to impact the lives of those around me. During my last Odyssey meeting as Editor-in-Chief, a Content Creator came up to me at the end and gave me a gift. She explained that I was the first person that gave her a chance on our college campus. If you know me at all, you know I burst out in tears. To be able to give others a sense of purpose – that is the reason Editors-in-Chief do what they do.

For each person that has impacted my life during my time with Odyssey, here is what I would like to say to you before I say goodbye:

To the Odyssey headquarters:

I have been so blessed to know such hard-working men and women. I can honestly say that my Content Strategist is a mentor and a friend. Lauren, the Editorial Director, has always treated me as an equal. I’m proud to consider her my mentor and biggest supporter. You have all shown me what it means to be a leader – and how to be a good one. I’m going to miss our weekly meetings and encouraging texts. Thank you for empowering me to be my best self and giving me the tools to succeed. My Odyssey community would have been nothing without your guidance and constant support.

To the other Editors-in-Chief:

Thank you for sending me your virtual love – through sweet comments, “likes” and laughs. This leadership position isn’t easy, but together, we helped each other through our daily battles. You have all made me feel accepted and loved. I will miss my Odyssey family more than you will ever know. Your words of encouragement have kept me sane through the hard times. To the Editors-in-Chief that aren’t leaving anytime soon, rely on each other. You will need that advice and those laughs often. Your fellow Editors-in-Chief are leaders just like you managing a team similar to yours. Ask for their opinions and befriend them.

To my Odyssey community:

Thank you for being such a great group of human beings. I chose all of you to be on this team because I knew that you were capable of upholding our expectations and contributing to our community. Your writing is outstanding; I wouldn’t have placed you on this team if it weren’t. I have watched you grow over your time with Odyssey. If you don’t believe me, read your first article and then read your most recent article. You did that. I am so proud of you. Promise me that you will continue writing for Odyssey; they need more creators like you. Please never stop writing, wherever you go in life. You have a talent not many people have, and you need to use it to make an impact on this world.

To the Editor-in-Chief that takes my place:

I have chosen you because I know you have what it takes to be the leader of a team. Since you became a Content Creator many moons ago, I always knew you were the one. It sounds cheesy, and a little creepy, I know, but I always knew that your enthusiasm and humor would be part of the mixture that creates great leaders. Since I’ve trained you for this position, you have hit the ground running. You are strong, witty and organized. Your team will love you more than they ever loved me. Thank you for taking on such a tiring, yet rewarding, position. By the time you pass it on to someone else, you will cry happy tears when you think of Odyssey, just like I do.

Giving up my position at Odyssey isn’t easy. Having to turn away from the organization that shaped me to be who I am today isn’t fun, either. I’m not even good at goodbyes. I’ll probably be texting you all every single day because I can’t stay away. Before the tears start dripping onto my keyboard, I need to bid my ado. To everyone at Odyssey who has impacted my life: thank you, and goodbye for now.