Hello,

I'm Blake Carlyon, a new member of the Odyssey's writing team. I'm attending Mississippi State University and will be getting a degree in Medical Technology. I've always enjoyed writing and it's an absolute pleasure to be welcomed on the team. I'd like to take this opportunity to tell you a little bit about myself.

I absolutely love cooking. If you're in need of a good cooked meal on campus, don't hesitate to swing by with some ingredients. I can make anything from sweet and sour chicken over pineapple rice to an elegant chicken Parmesan. I can make a pretty mean PB&J too, but I don't like to brag.

I'm an EMT. I've worked several 12-hour shifts and have had many different bodily fluids on me. I've got an entirely new respect for ER nurses and my emergency medicine friends because of it. On the bright side, if you ever go into cardiac arrest around me, I've got your back.

I'm a Christian. I won't spend very much time on this one, but a lot of my viewpoints and ideas have a Christian theme. I am not close minded and am willing to discuss nearly anything, but my opinions are my own and I stand by them.

I play drums. I started knocking around on drums in 7th grade. Over the years, I've taught myself how to play. I've become pretty decent, so let me know if you ever want a jam session.

I love sports. I started playing a variety of sports from the age of six. Over the years, I've played soccer, basketball, baseball, football, tennis, volleyball, been on swim team, and threw shot for track. I got my black belt in Taekwondoe in fifth grade. I'm down for anything and everything sports, as you could probably tell. My favorite teams are the Ravens, Celtics, and Cubs. Yeah, I know. Laugh it up.

Overall the most important thing to know about me is that I'm a friendly face, love making jokes, and quite enjoy meeting new people. It's a pleasure to serve on the writing team and I look forward to interacting with you all.