I have to say, it’s been a great experience being in the Odyssey. I’ve only been in it for about seven weeks, but it has been so much fun and inspiring to write in addition to reading and exploring my colleagues’ posts on the Odyssey page. I really appreciate Odyssey because the people and the organization nurture fresh, intellectual and innovative ideas, ushering “young writers” to express their thoughts to be read. Also, we can write about hobbies, interests, news, ideas, conflicts in society, or any other topic like dogs and cats.

However, that by no means say that writing for Odyssey is like writing whatever you want in your journal. There is a professional aspect when it comes to writing for a big audience, and I’ve learned to own up to that. I feel pressured but also excited about trying to write in a more sophisticated style rather than just slopping something down. Odyssey leaders are always reminding us that if we aren’t proud of what we write, we shouldn’t publish it – so I’m always keeping that in mind. I’ve definitely had to scrap some ideas and had to rewrite and reorganize and re-re-re everything. Is it worth it? Definitely.

Even though there are editors who go through the posts before we publish them on the page, I still want to write to correct as much as I can because Odyssey is a team. That is definitely another factor that plays into being part of Odyssey. Even though I do not get to see the members that often, there is a team effort that happens behind the computer screen because we try to organize and distribute the work. I’ve always been a self-editor through my school years of writing papers, but Odyssey has taught me to write and edit my own writing more effectively (more of a recursive process ), or at least I try to edit the best I can.

In addition, we publish weekly, so we have to write and edit a lot! It isn’t overwhelming, but it definitely takes time. Being a college student, you always have to manage your time, but Odyssey has made me more aware and encouraged me to work harder because of the limited hours in a week.

Another aspect I really enjoy about Odyssey is that it draws out thinking. After I joined Odyssey, I found myself always looking around me, observing, listening and pondering for something intriguing to write about. Knowing that I’m going to write at the end of the week, I think up topics along the way. It makes the world that much more exciting and forces me to invest myself in that world.

Lastly, I’ve learned that – after all, this hard work – it pays off. Not only am I gaining an amazing and fundamental experience, writing for Odyssey has built up my self-esteem as a writer. I’ve found that people enjoy what I write about, and some have complimented me on my style of writing. I am not bragging in any way – I’ve always doubted my writing skills because the only feedback I received was from teachers and professors for formal papers and such. Therefore, writing about casual things and still getting positive feedback is reassuring.

On the other hand, I’ve learned that – the wider the audience – the more likely I’ll get readers who don’t agree or like my work. I had to realize that I couldn’t satisfy everyone; it’s impossible to write about every perspective and every detail. Thus, I had to accept that.

Honestly, it’s a bit intimidating putting your work out there. Your writing is part of yourself, so for people to reject that – it’s disheartening, but at the same time, it’s you. I’ve learned what to take as useful critique and simple disagreement and acknowledge both but only take the critique to heart. I think this will prepare me for the outside world when – hopefully – I publish something!

That being said, I truly, truly appreciate those who have been so kind to me, pushing me to write more and get my thoughts out there. Everyone’s ideas and perspectives are meaningful – and Odyssey supports those developing ideas, so thank you Odyssey leaders and team members! Thank you, readers for all your encouragement! I will keep writing and highly encourage others to get their ideas out there too! Thus, I end with an inspiring quote:

“Who wants to become a writer? And why? Because it’s the answer to everything. … It’s the streaming reason for living. To note, to pin down, to build up, to create, to be astonished at nothing, to cherish the oddities, to let nothing go down the drain, to make something, to make a great flower out of life, even if it’s a cactus.”
—Enid Bagnold