Lately, "Odyssey" has been a popular keyword in my email's searchbar. There have been multiple times today that I have searched it, checking to make sure I sent out a particular email, that I received an important update, and to copy and paste a few things from time to time. Today, however, I looked way back, to my onboarding email.

Hoo boy. How times have changed.

This month marks my first year anniversary with Odyssey. I went from a writer to a creator (which is really just a title change, but I digress); from a creator to a contributing editor; and most recently, from a contributing editor to the editor in chief of my community. I have seen the community grow and shrink, boom and bust, strengthen and change. I have served under two editor in chiefs (discounting myself) and three managing editors, and I have learned so much from this experience.

So much, in fact, that it's almost embarrassing to admit that I applied to Odyssey in an attempt to mimic an old high school rival. (I know, I know: incredibly mature of me.) However, that competitive nature is what I have to thank for my growth. Without me giving into that slight envy, I would have not pushed myself to where I am now.

I have learned a lot about myself via Odyssey, as well as a lot of skills that I will forever carry with me. For instance, I have learned:

-how to say what I actually think, not what others would like to hear;

-at the same time, how to appeal to an audience with relatable life experience and humor;

-how to manage my time, okay, so I'm actually still working on this a bit;

-my voice is worth listening to, as a creator and as a leader;

-most importantly: everyone just wants someone to understand them, be it via real life or via the written experience.

And while, yes, there are moments that I wanted to scream and curse and give up, I haven't, and I have been rewarded for it.

I know I made the right choice every time I get to celebrate an article being published.

I know I found my passion every time I defend Odyssey to someone who doesn't take it seriously or believes that it is only one thing.

I know that this is the type of thing I want to do for the rest of my life every time I get to encourage my community and try to take them to the next level.

If it wasn't for Odyssey, I wouldn't have changed my major to journalism. I wouldn't be motivated to share perspectives and to write as much as I can. I wouldn't be who I am without this online platform, and I know I'm not alone in that sentiment.

So thank you, Odyssey. There's a lot of change happening, but I know that we can get through it, especially with a little help from you.