I, along with many of my team members here at Odyssey for Clemson, read an article posted by Moe Lowe (a fake name) at Clemson University's The Black Sheep Online. This article, titled "Please Read This Because I Am A White Girl," though meant as a satire, was more than just a jab at our "pride" or our image here. When thinking about what I wanted to say in response to this article, I had to take a minute to decide not to be malicious in return; however, I just wanted to educate you because you were wrong.

My name is Brittany Kesler and I have been writing for Odyssey for a little over a year now. I am Caucasian, I am blonde (not naturally of course), and I am a member of an organization here on campus. So, you were right. I fit into all these categories that you said I did, at least the ones that weren't ridiculous and seemed to be the worst to you. However, just because I fit into these categories does not mean you have figured me out by any means.

I do not believe that the things I write deserve any attention. I am grateful to connect with my audience on levels that it does which is a major reason that I write. I write things out to feel better and let myself work through a tough situation that I couldn't have otherwise. My audience - though yes, my mom shares it and says stuff like "so proud of my baby!" - connects to my writing on a different level and all I ever have wanted was for someone to get something out of my writing and to not feel alone.

I am far from under appreciated. My friends and family show me every day what I mean to them and I will always be grateful to them for that. I never go a day without being told how much I am loved, or how much I mean to someone. That may sound stuck up and conceited to you, but to me that makes me feel like I am able to be loving and appreciative of others. Because of what people do for me, I am able to do for others, that is how I was raised.

I used to be someone who needed attention and who needed love. And honestly, I found myself turning to the wrong places for that attention and love. When I joined this network of girls and guys I was told at least once a week that I am worth my own attention and my own love and these people have become almost like my family through their words and articles that they post. We actually talk to each other and praise each other all the time and thats why we don't care that you think we need the attention that your article reached for.

Lastly, here where I work, we openly support people with different backgrounds, or opinions. There are a lot of girls that work for Odyssey, we're not all the same person and we feel so different about literally everything. We are encouraged to write articles from different perspectives and sides and we, in no way, try to force our opinions on anyone else. We also don't have to wear Lilly and be in a sorority, or be malicious to get our point across.