Week after week, this group of writers share their hearts and voices for the world to hear. They ignore the uneasiness of the ridicule they may receive from their ideas or the fear of not being understood. It's obvious that not everyone is going to enjoy, or agree with, every post a writer shares, but there is a chance that people will be affected by the words in a positive manner.
What most people do not understand about Odyssey writers is that not all of them are journalists or even aspiring writers. They participate in this platform because if you may notice, it really has nothing to do with journalism unless the individual writer assumes the position of carrying the title and responsibility. Most people use thing site to share their ideas, thoughts, and concerns about anything and everything that crosses their minds. The Odyssey is essentially a public diary, or journal if you will, that allows people to share their raw emotions. It's quite noble if you think about the fact that these people are willing to face public ridicule for their thoughts that are genuine. Imagine getting your diary edited, published, then made available for the world to see and criticized. It's not an easy thing to do and of course it's not the exact same because the writer's thoughts are deduced more for public eyes but regardless, being vulnerable is uncomfortable.
Although being a writer for this platform isn't all rainbows and unicorns, for the most part, it is so incredibly enjoyable. Being able to write about anything is freeing; we are not limited in our ideas and are not controlled by what subjects need to be posted. We have the ability to be as open or as closed as our hearts desires. Even if you see another "An Open Letter To..." and think "oh how original," look past your initial judgment and read it. You might see something new, something authentic, and even something to be learned. The person writing it has passion for the subject enough to write at least 500 words on it and share it for anyone to see. Not every article posted is going to be the best, but the writer is always trying. They are not putting out works that they aren't proud of because at the end of the day, it will always be on the internet and it will always be tied to their name.
People are so quick to make fun of Odyssey articles and say that it isn't real journalism. What they don't truly understand is that they are right though, because it isn't real journalism. They are inherently not even articles, they are collections of essays. But these writers should never be put under such heavy ridicule because this is the first step for them to practice using their voices. When becoming a published writer, at first it is the most scary thing because you are put on a stage for others to judge you in either a positive or negative manner, but as time passes, you become more confident than you can imagine. You stand behind your words, ideas, and your name like they are the most cherished things you behold which is exactly the way it should be.
Before you judge others, think of what you are judging. You think they're not sharing substantial content? Well they are doing more than what you are. Step into the shoes of the people you are criticizing and understand what they are trying to accomplish. Will I write for the Odyssey forever? No. Is this the style of writing I want to turn into a career? Not really. But am I learning about my power as a writer and the effects my words have on an audience? Absolutely. And I wouldn't change it for the world. I am able to build a name for myself in an innocent way and I encourage anyone of any major to try this platform. Learn to stand for what you believe in and use your voice in a powerful way. You will start to stand a little straighter, a little stronger, and more powerful.
