Thank you for making it possible for us to share our voice!

When I first joined the Odyssey I was confronted with a mixture of emotions. I was excited because my writing could finally be shared with the public but also nervous because I had never written anything for a greater audience before and you helped ease those fears.

When I first met you I was a little intimidated because I knew you and the Odyssey were one the first steps in my journey to becoming a successful writer and I was afraid that I wouldn’t be good enough. I read some of your writings and knew I would be held to a pretty high standard. I was afraid that I wouldn’t have it in me.

I wanted to make you proud.

I wanted to make you happy that I was on your team. I wanted to meet your expectations and then some. I knew how much the Odyssey meant to you and I wanted to show you that my opportunity with the Odyssey was just as important.

And as I have gotten to know you--I have found I don’t have to be afraid of you.

I have found that you care.

You aren’t just my EIC you are my friend. Joining the Odyssey at SVSU isn’t at all what I expected. I have made friends that are more like family. I’ve written a year worth of articles some of which are still getting views a year later.

Thank you for all that you have done for me. You really have made a difference in my life-- more than you know. I admire your strength and persistence. I know we are coming up on the end of our time with you as much as that makes me sad I’m so proud of you. I know you are going to be extremely successful because you have the passion and drive to make anything possible for yourself.

Chase your dreams! Be all that you can be.

And again I thank you for making it possible to have the Odyssey Online on campus. We may not be journalists and for that, we may get some criticism but we are still being heard and that’s what writing is all about!