After one quarter of writing for the newly-launched Odyssey chapter for my school, the decision is made. It’s time to reveal to the rest of the world what it’s like to be a sleep-deprived, busy college student by day, and caffeine-operated Odyssey writer by the brink of dawn because obviously that’s what happens when professors pile readings like a heap of leaves on an autumn day during Week One (am I right, quarter system students?). In addition this article is dedicated to all of the Odyssey writers and editors somewhere in the US of A, working nonstop to provide and expand thousands of those voices and an platforms for simpletons like myself to possess the opportunity to do something scarily exhilarating: to express my words, story, concerns, doubts, and passions to the world. Also to the terrified reader that wishes to pursue an opportunity to publish their voice to the mysterious, wide inter-web, I encourage you to challenge yourself to observe your world carefully and submit that application to your university’s chapter. This is the life of an Odyssey writer:
1. When you get that email from the editor-in-chief telling you that you’re admin account has been finalized.
That’s the moment when you are apart of a home of writers and creators.. And that you’re actually doing something productive to your college career.2. But then figuring out the entire admin website…
Because what is the “Schedule social shares” anyways? And how do I make a listicle? And since when has listicle been a word? SOS.3. After 20 minutes you realize that the website is a breeze to use…
Like it’s pretty much idiot-proofed, and now you feel like an idiot for not getting it in the first place, but it’s okay because now you know.
4. The first article you publish to your Facebook feed and...
Being published on a national scale is when you know that you might actually have your sh*t together. Treat yo self!
5. Writing articles got you slightly improving your time management skills…
Since it’s about time you did something in college besides study, procrastinate and binge-watch House of Cards.
6. Writing for the Odyssey has you reading articles FOR DAYS THO…
There’s just so many great articles to read. Knowledge to obtain. Perspectives to understand. Stories to enjoy. But no time. SIGH.7. But all that Odyssey surfing has you procrastinating on your schoolwork…
Like I said, there’s just not enough time to do anything.8. You convincing someone to join the Odyssey, and you succeed…
Yay, more writers!
9. When you meet fellow writers in person…
Yay, more people I can add to the list that proves that I can be a social being!
10. Desperate to promote your articles like…
Please read and share our articles! They’re not that bad, in fact they entertaining! Like a movie or a vine but with words—IN YOUR THOUGHTS! Whhhaaatt? I know as a college student reading for long periods of times is a foreign concept to you but you should try it sometime. With our articles! Tell your friends! And family! And your dentist!
11. Trying to find the most accurate gif to match the current listicle comment…
Because at The Odyssey, we strive to matching a relatable listicle statement with the “on point” gif.
12. But then the deadline approaches all of a sudden and you are blocked…
That’s what happens when you read everyone else’s articles; you forget to write your own for the upcoming week.
13. But then you miraculously find inspiration of some sort and turn it in on time…
That was close. Let’s not screw up like that again.
14. Every time you receive a compliment from fellow peers about your articles, on the outside you appear like this:
15. But in reality you look like this:
Good for you because you deserve that internal happy dance!
Thank you Odyssey teams of all the college campuses for your insightful, intriguing, and positively distracting articles. And to the headquarters in NYC for keeping it in tact and letting every writer have a chance to write freely and creatively. Thank you to my UCI Odyssey team for being a boss similarly to the Colin Firth gif above. Let's viciously type out some articles for another quarter!
